FLINT LEAD CRISIS BRINGS PARENT LAWSUIT OVER SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

15 PLAINTIFFS REPRESENTED BY ELC AND ACLU OF MICHIGAN SUE TO PROTECT STUDENTS’ CIVIL RIGHTS

Today, the Education Law Center and the ACLU of Michigan filed a class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Flint, Michigan, on behalf of plaintiff parents and students in connection with the community-wide crisis of lead in the city’s water system. ELC and the ACLU are joined by Gregory Little of the White & Case law firm, a New York-based global firm providing pro bono services in this case. Mr. Little is also a Trustee of the Education Law Center.

The lawsuit demands that the Michigan Department of Education, Flint Community Schools and the Genesee Intermediate School District take immediate action to ensure that all students who require special education services are identified and provided with the programs and supports they require.

“We know that Flint schools are not currently meeting the needs of special education students, and we know that exposure to lead in drinking water can be highly toxic for children, potentially leading to or exacerbating disabilities” said Jessica Levin, ELC Staff Attorney. “It is imperative that the local district and the State of Michigan make sure students are evaluated and provided with appropriate programs and services, especially now that the number of affected students could grow significantly.”

The lawsuit amply documents the systemic violations of federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), in Flint’s public school system. To remedy this situation and prepare for an expected increase in students requiring services, the plaintiffs ask for screenings and evaluations to identify all students in need of special education services and the provision of those services by sufficient and qualified personnel.

“The lead crisis in Flint has put all children at risk, and the state and local education authorities must take action to ensure the public schools meet their legal mandate of addressing students’ educational needs,” said David G. Sciarra, ELC Executive Director. “It is our privilege and our obligation to represent the families of Flint. We will do all we can to come to a speedy and appropriate resolution of this case.”

For more information about the Flint lawsuit, please read this joint ELC-ACLU of Michigan press release.

Press Contact:

Sharon Krengel
Policy and Outreach Director
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x 24

Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240