AFGE Local 252 Statement on Special Education Office Being Moved to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

November 18, 2025

Media contact: Dorie Turner Nolt, dorie.turner@gmail.com, 404-861-1127

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252, which represents more than 2,700 U.S. Department of Education employees, released the following statement from AFGE Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman.

“This most recent ploy to further dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is not only illegal, it’s harmful to the 7.5 million students with special needs in this country. This comes after the Trump Administration tried to fire nearly every public servant in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services during the government shutdown — a move that is on hold under the continuing resolution. This office provides critical resources and support to students and their families, including distributing more than $15 billion in funding annually and making sure states and school districts follow the law. Moving the office to another federal agency will sow chaos, inspire even more distrust, and hurt our most vulnerable students.”

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