Well, howdy there, internet people, it's bell again.

So today, we're going to talk about Trump, Special Ed, the Future of America, and Fences.

On Friday, Trump's U.S. Department of Education fired pretty much everyone in the office of special education and

rehabilitative services, according to union reps. Of course, at time of recording, the Trump

administration hasn't put out any official numbers on the layoffs. It looks like basically

all employees who oversee the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Idea Act have been let go, except for those in leadership positions, and a few support staff.

So, Trump's move has left about $15 billion per year without oversight, and left 7.5 million kids with disabilities in jeopardy.

Beyond the money, the people in the office are also responsible for advising families,

and perhaps most importantly, making sure states and districts actually provide opportunities to those with

disabilities. Idea is a 50-year-old law that is the key mechanism for supporting students with

disabilities in this country. At its heart, idea isn't really an education law. It's a civil rights law. It requires that special education needs be met from birth until the age of 21.

Idea is a federal law. But without the offices, Trump just gutted, there isn't any real oversight to make sure all children with disabilities

get the service the law requires. According to Rachel Gittleman of AFGEE Local 252,

which is a union representing Department of Education employees, quote, based on multiple reports from staff and their managers, we believe

that all remaining staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,

including the Office of Special Education programs, and the Rehabilitative Services Administration,

have been illegally fired.

One employee of the department said, quote,

This is decimating the office responsible for safeguarding the rights of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. This is another Chesterton's Fence moment. It might be important

to understand why this law was enacted. To remind people of what the opportunities were like

before idea, think back to Forrest Gump. The politicians in D.C. with billionaire donors

and the means and access to private teachers and facilities for their kids

...