The Trump White House confirms that government workers in the Department of Education (DOE) have been let go, as promised, following further cuts to the department.
Liberal groups, along with Teacher Unions, say they are upset because many of the employees who were laid off were in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
“Once again, the Trump administration is acting as though they have impunity to cut staff from an already lean, efficient agency. Dismantling the government through mass firings, especially at the ED, is not the solution to our problems as a country,” said Rachel Gittleman, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252.
While teacher unions will try to score political points, DOE Secretary Linda McMahon has consistently stated that she will look out for students with disabilities and ensure their rights are protected, while also ensuring they receive the educational resources guaranteed to them by law.
Teacher groups in Florida oppose the layoffs, claiming it will hurt those with special needs and critical funding.
This tear, Florida’s largest teacher union, the Florida Education Association (FEA) said the move by the Trump administration to let go workers was nothing more than “political games” that would harm the most vulnerable students.
The president of the Volusia United Educators stated that the cuts to the federal education department would harm local school districts that receive federal funding and programs supporting students with disabilities.
However, Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that funding cuts for students with special needs will not occur. Instead, the funds will be transferred from the federal level to the state and local levels, placing responsibility on them.
The White House has a plan for special needs students that may be shifted over to the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
