The recent staffing cutbacks at the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights have drastically reduced its ability to enforce civil rights protections for students. The cuts, resulting from President Trump's policies, eliminated the investigative staff in several regional branches, leaving thousands of pending cases unresolved. Educational experts warn that especially vulnerable populations, such as students with disabilities, may face increased obstacles in accessing education. The significant reduction of this office raises concerns about how the Trump administration will manage the continuing influx of civil rights complaints from students and parents.
"The move to gut this office and leave only a shell means the federal government has turned its back on civil rights in schools," said Catherine E. Lhamon, former assistant secretary for civil rights.
Education policy experts and student advocates were particularly distressed about the gutting of the civil rights office, which fielded more than 22,600 complaints last year.
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