When Support Systems Crumble: How the Doge Movement Threatens Inclusive Education
Imagine a classroom where every child receives the support they need to thrive. For students with disabilities, this vision often hinges on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)—legal documents that ensure tailored learning plans, accommodations, and services. But a growing cultural and political movement, colloquially dubbed “Doge,” is pushing policies that could dismantle decades of progress in special education. At its core, Doge’s approach risks isolating children with disabilities, undermining their legal rights, and perpetuating systemic inequality.
Why IEPs Matter
IEPs aren’t just paperwork—they’re lifelines. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools must provide free, appropriate education to students with disabilities. An IEP outlines specific goals, such as speech therapy for a nonverbal child, extra time on tests for a student with dyslexia, or sensory breaks for a child with autism. These plans are designed collaboratively by parents, teachers, and specialists, ensuring kids aren’t just included but empowered.
For many families, IEPs level the playing field. Take Maria, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy. Her IEP guarantees assistive technology, a modified desk, and a paraprofessional to help her navigate the classroom. Without these supports, Maria’s academic success—and her confidence—would crumble.
Enter Doge: A Threat to Equity
The Doge movement, which prioritizes austerity measures and standardized outcomes, has begun targeting education funding. Its proponents argue for “streamlining” resources, often code for slashing budgets for “non-essential” services. But for students on IEPs, these cuts aren’t theoretical. Doge-inspired policies could:
1. Reduce staffing: Schools might eliminate special education teachers, therapists, or aides, leaving kids without critical support.
2. Limit accommodations: Pressure to “standardize” testing or classroom routines could erase flexibility for students who learn differently.
3. Discourage parental input: Bureaucratic hurdles might make it harder for families to advocate for their children’s needs.
Worse, Doge’s rhetoric often frames IEPs as a “burden” rather than a right. This mindset ignores the moral and legal obligation to serve all students—and it’s already causing harm. In states where Doge policies have gained traction, parents report longer wait times for evaluations, overcrowded special education classrooms, and even schools refusing to acknowledge disabilities outright.
The Human Cost of Exclusion
When schools fail to uphold IEPs, children pay the price. Consider Alex, a 7-year-old with ADHD. His IEP includes movement breaks and a quiet workspace, but his understaffed school can’t provide either. Alex now struggles to focus, acts out in frustration, and has started to hate school. His story isn’t unique.
Research shows that students with unmet IEP needs face higher dropout rates, lower academic achievement, and increased mental health challenges. By eroding support systems, Doge doesn’t just disadvantage kids—it actively discriminates against them. As attorney and disability rights advocate Jamie S. notes: “Refusing to fund IEPs is like building a staircase without a ramp. You’re telling an entire group of people they don’t belong.”
A Path Forward
Fighting back starts with awareness. Parents, educators, and communities must:
– Demand transparency: Hold schools accountable for implementing IEPs fully.
– Challenge narratives: Push back against stigmatizing language that paints accommodations as “special treatment.”
– Advocate legislatively: Support laws that protect IDEA funding and expand resources for special education.
Grassroots efforts are already making waves. In Ohio, parents successfully lobbied to block Doge-aligned cuts to special education. In California, teachers’ unions have partnered with disability organizations to train staff on inclusive practices. These victories prove that change is possible—but only if we prioritize empathy over efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. For students with disabilities, IEPs are the bridge between exclusion and opportunity. The Doge movement’s disregard for these needs isn’t just shortsighted—it’s a violation of civil rights. Every child deserves to learn in an environment that celebrates their potential, not one that erases their existence.
As Maria’s mother puts it: “My daughter isn’t asking for extra—she’s asking for equal. And that’s not too much to demand.” Let’s ensure no child has to settle for less.
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