Experts say this week's mass layoffs could lead to less research and support for children nationwide.

Summary

The Education Department’s mass layoffs, cutting 1,300 jobs, could severely impact students with disabilities by delaying civil rights investigations and reducing research on special education.

The Office for Civil Rights lost nearly half its staff, slowing responses to discrimination complaints, while the Institute of Education Sciences faces cuts in reviewing research on autism and intellectual disabilities.

Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon aim to dismantle the department, despite lawsuits from Democratic governors.

Conservatives support shifting education oversight to states, but states warn of funding shortfalls and potential tax increases.