Supreme Court backs families fighting school district over disability discrimination
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SCOTUS Lowers Bar for Discrimination Claims From Disabled Students in Education
Above: The Supreme Court of the United States as seen on May 15, 2025. Image copyright: Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Everyone is legally entitled to a good education, regardless of their disability status, with this ruling affirming that no double standard should exist for disabled students. This result affirms that mere negligence is a violation of the rights of the disabled, who do not leave their protections at the schoolhouse door. People with disabilities can now more easily get recourse and support in the school environment.
Right narrative
A consequence of the expansion of disability accommodation in schools has been the rank abuse of the system to secure concessions for pupils who do not truly need them. Lowering the standard will help some families truly in need, but will also enable malcontents to take advantage. What is required is more scrutiny in order to preserve the resources that students like Tharpe need most.