Proposed Federal Cuts Threaten Special Education Funding Nationwide

Proposed federal cuts to education funding and changes in oversight could significantly impact students across the country, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and with disabilities. In Tennessee, raising the eligibility threshold for the USDA's Community Eligibility Program could cause hundreds of schools, especially in Memphis-Shelby County, to lose access to universal free meals, affecting a majority of students. Nationwide, advocates warn that cuts to Title I and special education funding, along with Department of Education restructuring, threaten crucial supports for vulnerable populations, including Black autistic students and thousands of students with disabilities in states like New Jersey. Special education leaders stress that, despite decades-old federal promises, funding for students with disabilities remains far below commitments, leaving local districts to fill persistent gaps. Some educators call for reducing bureaucracy and reinvesting savings directly into classrooms to protect essential services for special-needs students. There is widespread concern among families, teachers, and administrators that financial decisions are being prioritized over student needs, risking further setbacks for those already underserved.