1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's recent actions to dismantle the Department of Education and drastically cut staff at the Office for Civil Rights are deeply concerning for students with disabilities and their families. OCR plays a crucial role in enforcing federal disability laws and ensuring that students receive the accommodations and support they need to access a quality education. The case of Rebecca and her 13-year-old adopted son, who has fetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD, exemplifies the importance of OCR's work. Rebecca's son was isolated from his peers for months and denied appropriate educational services, prompting her to file a complaint with OCR. However, before mediation could occur, the Cleveland office staff handling the case was fired, leaving Rebecca's family in limbo. This situation underscores the need for a robust and properly staffed Office for Civil Rights to investigate and resolve complaints of disability discrimination in schools. Cutting resources and dismantling OCR will only exacerbate the challenges faced by students with special needs and their families in accessing the accommodations and services they are legally entitled to. It is imperative that the administration reverse course on these harmful actions and prioritize the protection of students' civil rights, including those with disabilities. Ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of ability, should be a fundamental responsibility of the federal government.