Education Department to move special ed, civil rights out of agency: report

June 17, 2026 - 04:08

The U.S. Department of Education is reportedly preparing to relocate the offices responsible for special education services and civil rights enforcement outside of the agency's direct control. According to a recent report, the move would transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights to other federal departments, potentially reshaping how these critical functions are managed.

The proposed changes have sparked concern among advocacy groups and educators, who worry that moving these offices could weaken oversight and reduce accountability. The Office for Civil Rights handles complaints about discrimination in schools, while the special education office oversees the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees services for students with disabilities.

Supporters of the plan argue that the shift could streamline operations and allow the Education Department to focus on other priorities. However, critics warn that removing these offices from the agency might lead to fragmented enforcement and less direct attention to vulnerable student populations. No official timeline has been announced, and the report notes that the plan is still under internal discussion.