Advocates warn that proposals to dismantle large portions of the U.S. Department of Education could jeopardize special‑education services that 7.5 million students rely on. Groups such as the Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates say transferring program oversight or cutting department staff risks eroding Individualized Education Programs and compliance enforcement. Secretary Linda McMahon has insisted IDEA and IEPs remain in place, but disability‑rights lawyers say intent alone cannot substitute for the department’s administrative capacity to monitor, investigate and support services nationwide.