Cuts and restructuring disrupt federal disability-rights enforcement
The United States Department of Education cut nearly half of its approximately 4,000-person workforce in March 2025.
Workforce cuts and office closures at the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights led to staff changes, complaint dismissals and reduced follow-up for families of students with disabilities. The department also announced a larger Justice Department role in civil-rights investigations.
- United States Department of Education
- Office for Civil Rights
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Texas
Claims
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- 2,000staff positions
The United States Department of Education cut nearly half of its approximately 4,000-person workforce in March 2025.
“cut nearly half of the entire agency's nearly 4,000-person workforce”
- 299staff positions
The Government Accountability Office reported that 299 Office for Civil Rights staff positions were included in the cuts.
“an estimated 299 out of 575 staff positions at the OCR, according to the Government Accountability Office”
- 446staff members
The Office for Civil Rights had 446 staff members in November 2025, according to the Education Department.
“reported in November 2025 that there were 446 staff members at the OCR”