Under Trump, Parents Struggle to Get Disability Cases Investigated as Civil Rights Office Shifts Focus to Antisemitism
Washington (Quds News Network)- Parents of children with disabilities are struggling to get the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to investigate discrimination cases as the agency shifts its focus to ‘antisemitism’, AP reported. Staffing cuts and new priorities have left thousands of families waiting for justice after prioritizing alleged antisemitism cases, which usually refer to pro-Palestine and anti-genocide activism.
The OCR, which enforces federal education rights, has made antisemitism cases its top priority. A recent memo directed staff to focus on complaints tied to pro-Palestine and anti-genocide protests at universities. The shift follows rising tensions on campuses and crackdown on anti-genocide activism.
At the same time, over 20,000 pending civil rights cases, including many related to students with disabilities, remain delayed. Advocates say layoffs have worsened the backlog. “The reduction in force is an evisceration of the OCR’s ability to investigate cases,” said civil rights attorney Stewart. Families seeking support for their children face growing uncertainty.
Disability rights advocate Nikki Carter said the delays leave parents feeling “hopeless and helpless.” Many lack the money for legal representation, and free legal aid programs are overwhelmed. State agencies often lack the resources to handle complex federal education cases, adding to the crisis.
A federal lawsuit filed Friday challenges the OCR layoffs, claiming they have crippled investigations. Another lawsuit, filed by Democratic attorneys general, warns that school districts may feel emboldened to ignore discrimination complaints.
Meanwhile, federal agencies are shifting focus beyond education. According to Haaretz, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has paused human trafficking and drug smuggling investigations to monitor social media for pro-Palestinian activism. ICE reportedly flagged foreign students’ posts, leading to arrests and visa revocations.
