Feds move education programs to other agencies

By Esther Wickham
The Center Square

The Trump administration announced Tuesday it is moving civil rights and special education programs to other federal agencies in efforts to continue the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Education will shift oversight of special education and rehabilitative services to HHS. The DOJ will assume responsibility for civil rights enforcement, student privacy protection, and related training and advisory services.

The Center Square contacted the Department of Education for comment and was referred to Tuesday’s press release announcing the changes.

“The Trump Administration has been clear: as we scale back federal micromanagement when it hinders success, we are equally committed to bolstering the efficacy of federal oversight where it is essential,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

The transfers mark another step in the administration’s broader effort to reduce the role of the Department of Education and redistribute some of its responsibilities across the federal government.

Secretary of HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted how this move will cut bureaucratic tape and align federal resources to improve education and employment outcomes.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that, through the partnership, the department will further its commitment to ensuring that every student is treated with dignity and respect and has an equal opportunity to succeed in the classroom.