​Reflecting on the Dismantling of the Department of Education as a Mother whose child required an IEP and Autism Researcher

Dr. Stephanie Homes

As a mother of a twice-exceptional child—gifted with a brilliant IQ yet navigating the challenges of an autism spectrum diagnosis—I've journeyed through the intricate landscape of public education. Securing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for my daughter was a formidable task and the constant need for advocacy. The recent executive order by President Donald Trump to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has intensified my concerns, especially regarding the future of special education services and the protections afforded to students like my daughter.

I rarely write about things that are too polarizing or political, but I have been quite concerned since the thought of dismantling the Department of Education has become an executive order and I am a lifelong Republican. Before I had a child with needs and understood the importance of 504s and IEPs and the checks and balances the DOE provided, I too would have thought school vouchers or dismantling DOE was the way to go. It is different when you have lived it. TO illustrate my current feelings, two movie scenes come to mind for me.

First, Padme in Star Wars, “This is how democracy dies, with thunderous applause.” I would change this quote to implement my thoughts on dismantling the DOE, “So this is how special education rights die, with thunderous applause.” This feels like a set back to me not evolution forward for students with delays, disabilities and diagnoses. Why? Do you remember the scene in Forrest Gump which is set in a time of states handling the education of children with what was then called “handicaps” before the federal mandates of EAHCA or IDEA, where the school principal tells Mama Gump that  Forrest is uneducable and he is not allowed to attend school?  When I saw the scene of Forrest’s mom having sex with the principal in order to persuade him to allow her son with special needs to attend school, I thought that was Hollywood sensationalism until I did my dissertation research on special education law. Before the DOE and federal mandates, the power of admittance to school and what resources or accommodations would be given to students with needs was the sole right of the principal in each school in each district. I am usually a state’s rights kind of thinker, but this is different. While the DOE was not perfect and certainly needed to have some efficiency and changes, dismantling is not the answer. I am discouraged and disappointed and have concern for the future of autistic students and any other student who needs a 504 or IEP moving forward.

The Role of the Department of Education in Special Education

Established in 1980, the U.S. Department of Education has been pivotal in standardizing and enforcing educational policies across states. One of its critical functions is overseeing the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The department allocates federal funds, monitors compliance, and addresses grievances, thereby acting as a safeguard for students requiring special education services.​

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the department plays a vital role in enforcing laws that protect students from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age. This enforcement ensures that schools adhere to federal standards, providing necessary accommodations and services to students with disabilities. Without such oversight, there's a risk that these students might not receive the support they are legally entitled to. ​

Challenges in Securing and Implementing IEPs

Even with federal oversight, obtaining and effectively implementing an IEP is a complex process. Parents often find themselves in adversarial positions, advocating fiercely to ensure their child's needs are met. The process involves comprehensive evaluations, meetings with educators and specialists, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. Despite these efforts, inconsistencies in service delivery persist, often due to varying interpretations of federal guidelines at the state and local levels.​

Potential Impacts of Dismantling the Department of Education

The proposal to dismantle the Department of Education raises several concerns:​

1. Loss of Federal Oversight: Without a central authority to enforce IDEA and other civil rights laws, the responsibility would shift entirely to individual states. This decentralization could lead to uneven enforcement and protection of students' rights. ​

2. Variability in Service Provision: Currently, while there are federal standards, states have some discretion in implementing special education services. Without federal oversight, disparities could widen, leading to significant differences in the quality and availability of services across states. ​

3. Funding Uncertainties: The department administers essential funding for special education. Its dissolution could disrupt the flow of these funds, placing additional financial burdens on states and potentially leading to cuts in services. ​

4. Erosion of Civil Rights Protections: The OCR's role in investigating violations and ensuring compliance is crucial. Without it, students with disabilities might face increased discrimination and reduced access to necessary accommodations. ​

The Reality of State-Led Education

Historically, before the establishment of the Department of Education, states had primary control over education, leading to significant disparities in the quality of education and services provided to students with disabilities. The federal oversight introduced uniform standards and accountability, ensuring that all students, regardless of their state of residence, had access to certain educational rights and services to students with disabilities.​

Returning control entirely to the states could mean a regression to a time when services for students with disabilities were inconsistent and often inadequate. For instance, some states might prioritize special education funding, while others, due to budget constraints or differing priorities, might not. This could lead to a patchwork system where a child's access to quality education depends largely on their geographic location.​

Personal Reflections and Broader Implications

Reflecting on my own experience, I recall the challenges faced in securing an appropriate educational plan for my daughter. Despite federal guidelines, there were instances where I had to advocate vigorously to ensure her needs were met. The thought of diminished federal oversight is alarming, as it could exacerbate these challenges, making it even more difficult for parents to secure necessary services for their children.​

Moreover, the potential dismantling of the department could lead to:​

• Increased Disparities: Students in underfunded or rural areas might face greater challenges in accessing quality special education services.​

• Legal Complexities: Without a central authority, parents might find it more challenging to navigate the legal avenues available to address grievances or ensure compliance with educational plans.​

• Strain on Resources: States already grappling with budget constraints might struggle to allocate adequate resources for special education, leading to larger class sizes, reduced services, and overburdened educators.​

As a parent, the prospect of navigating an even more fragmented system is daunting. It's imperative that we recognize the invaluable role of federal oversight in maintaining standards and protections for all students, ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or location, has access to the education they deserve.​

Citations:

• National Disability Rights Network. (2025). Dismantling the Department of Education Will Have Devastating Consequences for Students with Disabilities. Retrieved from

• The Education Trust. (2025). What Happens to Students With Disabilities if the Department of Education Is Dismantled?. Retrieved from

• National Education Association. (2025). How Dismantling the Department of Education Would Harm Students. Retrieved from