The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) applauds the recent ruling by District Judge Myong Joun blocking the abrupt closure of the U.S. Department of Education and the mass layoffs of its staff. The ruling underscores the essential role the Department plays in ensuring that students—especially those with disabilities or in need of federal aid—receive the support they are entitled to under the law.

Therapeutic schools and programs across the country rely on a functioning Department of Education to coordinate services, uphold protections for vulnerable youth, and provide oversight and accountability. Sudden efforts to dismantle this federal agency not only threaten the stability of our education system but also risk leaving students and families without access to critical resources.

NATSAP urges policymakers to prioritize the long-term success and well-being of students by preserving and strengthening the structures that serve them, rather than destabilizing students through politically motivated actions. Now more than ever, a steady and responsive federal education system is vital for youth in both traditional and therapeutic settings.