Detroit Free Press

As President Donald Trump seeks to shutter the U.S. Department of Education, the potential closure of the federal agency — which, among other purposes, directs funding for the education of low-income children and investigates allegations of violations against students with disabilities — has raised questions and created anxiety for Michiganders. “The president’s proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is an unwise idea that fails to recognize the U.S. Department of Education’s role,” state Superintendent Michael Rice wrote in an emailed statement.” Still, among Michigan parents of students with disabilities, fears over how changes could impact their already vulnerable children are mounting. Marcie Lipsitt, a special education advocate in Michigan and COPAA member, said federal officials have canceled multiple scheduled mediation sessions with clients who have made complaints against Michigan school districts to the federal department. Heather Eckner, director of statewide education for the Autism Alliance of Michigan and COPAA member, wrote in an email that she, too, had heard from parents that mediation sessions were being canceled, and some investigations were dismissed by the Department.