As COPAA members know, in a unilateral move that caught both Republican and Democrats in Congress off guard, on Friday, October 10, the Administration announced a massive Reduction in Force (RIF) that has reportedly impacted thousands of federal employees including 466 working at the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The layoffs at ED have been verified by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee staff who confirm that RIF actions have impacted every ED office including Budget, Civil Rights, Communications, Elementary and Secondary Education, Post Secondary Education, Rehabilitative Services, Special Education, and more. For the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office of Special Education (OSEP) in particular, more than 180 employees have received their 60-day notice, leaving just a handful of staff to oversee all activities required to be overseen by under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In response, COPAA’s CEO, Denise Marshall issued a statement, activated our grassroots network, and, have continued to co-lead a broad disability and education advocacy coalition. This week they will share an updated statement to express concern and request that Congress protect children with disabilities and urge a reversal by the Administration in their decision to layoff virtually all of the OSEP staff. 

ACT NOW! To do your part, please EMAIL CONGRESS and explain how the instability caused by the OSEP RIF is currently, or may impact children with disabilities.