Catherine Lhamon

Former U.S. Department of Education officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations criticized efforts to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) would be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice, respectively, as part of a broader plan to reduce the Education Department's role.

Former U.S. Education Department officials from both parties criticized efforts to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies. The move, part of a broader plan to dismantle the Education Department, would shift responsibilities to HHS and the Justice Department, drawing concerns about accountability for students with disabilities.

Former U.S. Department of Education officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations criticized efforts to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The move, part of a broader plan to dismantle the Education Department, has drawn opposition from advocates and educators who warn it could undermine disability rights and student protections.