A federal appeals court has reinstated a major lawsuit that accuses an Oregon school district and the state education department of routinely limiting school hours for students with disabilities, particularly those with behavioral needs.
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2019, claims that many children in special education were sent home early or placed on reduced schedules instead of being given the necessary support to stay in school full time. Plaintiffs argue that these shortened school days effectively denied students their right to a proper public education.
While the state previously sought to dismiss the case, a district court initially allowed the claims to proceed but then dismissed them in 2021. Now, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed that decision, stating that the families impacted by these practices deserve their day in court. The panel emphasized that the plaintiffs raised significant issues about how Oregon’s education system was handling behavior-related challenges among students with disabilities.
Disability rights advocates have praised the ruling, calling it a critical step toward ending discriminatory educational practices. They argue that reduced schedules are often used as a quick fix rather than investing in adequate behavioral and therapeutic supports for students.
With the case now moving forward, it could have major implications for how schools across the country address the needs of students in special education programs — especially those who struggle with behaviors that stem from their disabilities.
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