The Hannah's Gift Briefing
Trump Puts Kids With Autism In The Spotlight And Cuts Agencies Built To Protect Them
Federal civil rights oversight for students with disabilities is under threat as the Trump administration reduces the Education Department's capacity, advocates and researchers warn. A Florida mother filed a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights after her 9-year-old autistic son was repeatedly removed from class, suspended, and denied a dedicated paraprofessional outlined in his IEP. The office agreed to investigate several allegations, but its future ability to handle such cases is uncertain.
What this means for families: Families whose children's IEP rights are violated may face fewer federal options for resolving complaints if civil rights oversight is reduced.