🧠 Autism & Disability Services
- Controversial Autism Initiatives by Health Secretary: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a national autism study utilizing private health records and plans to establish a health registry for autistic Americans. Concurrently, a leaked draft indicates proposed budget cuts to disability services by the Department of Health and Human Services, potentially reducing support for education, research, and broader services. Kennedy’s recent statements have drawn criticism from experts, who argue that his approach could hinder decades of progress in autism understanding and support.
The Guardian
🎒 Education & Students with Disabilities
- Federal Judge Blocks DEI Funding Cuts: A federal judge in New Hampshire has blocked the Trump administration’s directive that threatened to cut federal funding for public schools maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The ruling followed lawsuits from the National Education Association and the ACLU, asserting that the guidance was vague and violated First Amendment rights.
AP News
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ Rights
- Executive Order 14187 Legal Challenges: President Trump’s Executive Order 14187, aiming to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, has faced legal challenges. Federal courts have issued injunctions blocking its enforcement in several states, citing constitutional concerns.
