Disability rights groups are mounting concern over plans to move special education programs under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s authority, citing his contentious public statements on autism as a red flag for the nation's most vulnerable students.
The shift, part of the Trump administration's reorganization, would place significant oversight of special education policy in Kennedy's hands. Advocates warn the reassignment raises serious questions about the direction of programs that serve millions of children with disabilities across public schools.
Kennedy has made controversial claims linking vaccines to autism, a position rejected by the scientific consensus and major medical organizations. Disability advocates view these statements as disqualifying for someone taking charge of education policy that directly affects autistic children and families.
The transfer represents a broader consolidation of education functions being pulled from existing federal departments. For disability groups already skeptical of administrative changes to special education rules, Kennedy's appointment deepens anxiety about what comes next.
Organizations representing disabled students say they are preparing to scrutinize any policy changes closely. They fear the new arrangement could weaken protections or redirect resources in ways that harm students currently served under federal disability law.
The move has not yet been formally implemented, but the prospect has already triggered mobilization from advocates who view special education as essential infrastructure that cannot tolerate ideologically driven disruption.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Putting someone with Kennedy's track record on vaccines anywhere near special education policy is asking for trouble the moment his department tries to change how schools serve disabled kids."
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