Project 2025, a well-discussed conservative policy blueprint, suggests significant changes to the federal government’s educational responsibilities. However, the assertion that it abolishes the education of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) is inaccurate.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., collaborated with over 100 conservative organizations to develop Project 2025. This led to the creation of the “Mandate for Leadership,” a nearly 900-page guide containing policy suggestions aimed at freeing the country from what they term the “grasp of the radical Left.”

A Facebook post that has been shared by over 2,000 users claims, “7.5 million public school students are enrolled in an Individualized Education Program. Project 2025 will end their education.”

Experts indicate that this interpretation exaggerates the potential consequences of the proposals included in Project 2025.

The document does not explicitly recommend eliminating IEPs—plans tailored to meet the specific educational needs of students with disabilities. In fact, IEPs are not mentioned at any point in the text.

Nevertheless, several experts told YSL News that the changes proposed by Project 2025 could impact students by altering funding distribution and oversight responsibilities.

“While it doesn’t directly propose the removal of IEPs, the implications of the changes may effectively undermine their strength,” commented Brian Abery, a researcher at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration.

Project 2025 Suggests Block Grants for IEP Support

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees students with disabilities a “free appropriate public education,” typically requiring an IEP.

Identifying and providing for students needing IEPs generally occurs locally, according to Eric Houck, an education professor at the University of North Carolina. However, the federal government plays a key role by defining, monitoring, and funding state educational initiatives for these students.

The “Mandate for Leadership” of Project 2025 recommends switching most funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to a “no-strings formula block grant” administered by the Department of Health and Human Services rather than the Department of Education.

Lindsey Burke, head of the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Education Policy, stated to YSL News, “Project 2025 doesn’t plan to change IEPs in any manner.”

“Public schools will still create and implement IEPs for students in need, and qualified students will still receive their proportion of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding,” Burke added.

Fact check: Project 2025 is an initiative developed by the Heritage Foundation, not Donald Trump

Abery noted that changing to block grants could allow these special education funds to be utilized beyond public schools, potentially diverting resources to private educational institutions.

“Public schools may find their resources for effectively administering IEPs reduced as funds could be redirected toward private schools,” Abery explained.

Due to the absence of federally mandated minimum standards for states receiving this funding, Houck warned that “students in certain states could face reduced or even eliminated funding.”

Transition of Department of Education Duties to Other Agencies

In Project 2025’s education policy section, it asserts that the “federal Department of Education should be dismantled,” a position supported by President-elect Donald Trump.

Currently, the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services manages the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The “Mandate for Leadership” proposes transferring this responsibility to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living.

Abery expressed concern that this agency does not specialize in youth education, primarily focusing on services for disabled adults.

Project 2025 also intends to shift the responsibilities of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services regarding student discrimination protections to the Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights.

Houck cautions that it is plausible that “some cases may be overlooked or ignored” during this transitional phase as the newly assigned agencies adapt to their responsibilities.