BPDD Statement on U.S. Dept. of Education decision to fire federal workers responsible for special education quality.
October 13, 2025
Press Contact: Beth Swedeen, beth.swedeen@wisconsin.gov, (608) 220-2974;
Sydney Badeau, badeausydney@gmail.com
Last Friday, the Trump administration announced more cuts that appear to eliminate the entire Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
“These cuts are part of a larger pattern that put students with disabilities’ right to a free and appropriate public education at risk,” said Beth Swedeen, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) Executive Director.
Students with disabilities have a right to an education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Before IDEA students with disabilities were often refused admission to public schools or warehoused in substandard facilities without a standard curriculum and few if any rights. The U.S. Department of Education has primary responsibility for making sure states and schools are upholding the civil rights of students with disabilities to get a free and appropriate public education. Advocates worry federal staffing cuts will mean little oversight or enforcement of IDEA.
“Generations of experience has proven what families have always known. Students with disabilities can learn and excel with the right supports,” said Swedeen. “When students with disabilities get the education they need, we all benefit.”
“I used special education supports. I learned differently, but I learned the same things,” said Sydney Badeau, BPDD Board Chair. “We needed a little extra help while in school to be successful now. Why would we not want the next generation of students with disabilities to have the same opportunities? Students with disabilities are part of America’s future too.”
In March, the department laid off 40% of the staff responsible for investigating parent’s complaints about schools that aren’t doing enough to make sure their students’ right to an education is honored–50% of cases are related to special education. In September, the Department clawed back $11M in previously awarded federal grants specifically to improve special education.