The Trump administration is targeting the jobs of more than 450 workers in the U.S. Department of Education as part of a reduction in force during the government shutdown. Among the casualties would be the office responsible for oversight of some $15 billion in special education funding for 7.5 million children with disabilities.

A federal judge has temporarily halted all reductions in force during the shutdown.

Out of the approximately 90 current employees in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, fewer than five will remain on the job if the layoffs go through. The office offers guidance to families and provides monitoring and oversight of states to make sure they comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees all children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education.

The Department of Education, which had more than 4,100 employees when President Donald Trump took office in January, shrunk to roughly 2,400 through layoffs and buyouts. If the latest cuts are carried out, the department would lose roughly 20% of its remaining workforce.

NPR, Oct. 13  
Education Week, Oct. 16