Senator to Host Spotlight Forum on Interagency Agreements that will Harm Students with Disabilities

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), will lead a spotlight forum next Tuesday, Aug. 4, highlighting how the Trump Administration’s efforts to transfer programs from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to other agencies is harming students with disabilities and their families. The forum will feature a panel of witnesses comprised of former ED leaders, civil rights advocates, and parent advocates who understand firsthand the importance of supporting students with disabilities in public schools. This includes Laurie VanderPloeg, CEC's Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs.

In June, the Administration announced that it would be moving ED’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) respectively, two agencies that lack the experience and personnel to take on such critical work.

The forum will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 2:30 PM ET and will be live streamed on Sen. Hirono's YouTube channel.