When a parent believes their child is not receiving proper services or school accommodations for a disability, they can seek remedies from their district. They can file complaints with their state, arguing the child's rights have been taken away without due process of law, or even pursue litigation in state or federal courts.

The layoffs are the first step toward dismantling the department, a goal espoused by President Trump and his education secretary, Linda McMahon.

A new lawsuit argues that recent layoffs undermine the office’s ability to investigate complaints of discrimination from all students, not just those aligned with President Trump’s agenda.