Please sign the petition by Friday October 24th, we will still be collecting signatures after this point however we will be submitting this with our first round to congress then!

Petition text:

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we are alarmed by the steps taken by the Administration to damage the foundation of this critical civil rights law.

Last week the Administration officially laid off most of the staff at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the division of the U.S. Department of Education that provides oversight, guidance, and support for the implementation of IDEA. OSEP staff play an essential role in ensuring IDEA is rigorously implemented across the country and that students with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education that will prepare them for successful post-school outcomes. Laying off staff that support states and districts to serve all their students will eliminate the ability to enforce this important civil rights law and harm families and communities.

We ask that Congress and the Administration take action that will rescind these layoffs and maintain strong support of IDEA at the U.S. Department of Education.

Signed,

Parents of children and youth with disabilities, advocates, educators, and other community supporters