US Education Department launches investigation into DC public schools over special education violations – The Times of India

The US Department of Education has launched an investigation into the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) after a report revealed significant concerns regarding the district’s handling of special education services. The investigation, initiated by the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), comes in response to mounting complaints about the lack of support for students with special needs or disabilities within the district.
In a letter sent to DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee on March 5, 2025, the Education Department confirmed the probe. The OCR is tasked with determining if DCPS is failing to meet the legal requirements for providing appropriate education services to students with disabilities, potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Alarming statistics spark federal action
The investigation follows a December 2024 report from the District of Columbia Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights, which highlighted alarming statistics about the district’s special education system. As reported by The Washington Times, the committee found that DCPS had received 245 special education complaints per 10,000 students, the highest rate of any state or territory in the US. The report also pointed to an overburdened dispute resolution system, which has forced families to file lawsuits to obtain the special education services their children are legally entitled to.
The committee’s findings raised further concerns regarding the district’s transportation services for special education students, with reports of long delays, unreliable schedules, and inadequate oversight. These issues have been contributing factors to a growing frustration among families, educators, and advocates for students with disabilities, as quoted by DC Council member Christina Henderson in a statement to the Washington Times.
Investigation scope and next steps
The OCR’s investigation will examine whether DCPS is violating federal laws by failing to adequately evaluate or reevaluate students with disabilities, as well as whether it has provided proper special education and related services. The investigation will also scrutinize the district’s transportation system, which the report suggests has led to a denial of a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.
As quoted by The Washington Times, Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the department’s responsibility to protect vulnerable students. “We will ensure schools are fulfilling their commitment to provide all students with equal access to educational opportunities and not placing unnecessary burdens on families,” she said.
Response from DC public schools
In response to the investigation, DCPS expressed its commitment to cooperate fully with the federal review. As quoted in a statement to The Washington Times, the district said, “We have made significant investments to strengthen our special education programs, expand inclusive learning opportunities, and engage families as partners in their children’s success.”
Despite these efforts, DCPS has faced ongoing criticism, with former officials and education advocates noting the district’s failure to address special education complaints in a timely manner, often requiring lawsuits to force action. Marlon Ray, a former DCPS director, called for increased scrutiny, stating, “Thank goodness they’re investigating because the rabbit hole runs deep,” as reported by The Washington Times.
This investigation by the Education Department marks a critical step in addressing the longstanding issues faced by students with disabilities in the District of Columbia.