Disability groups file class‐action lawsuit against Oregon

Abstract

Disability Rights Oregon and four other groups filed a class‐action lawsuit Jan. 22 against the state of Oregon in U.S. District Court saying the state denies hundreds of children with disabilities the right to attend a full day of school, according to U.S. News & World Report. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Eugene comes on the first day of Oregon's legislative session and names Gov. Kate Brown and the Oregon Department of Education and its director, Colt Gill, as defendants. It says that children with disabilities are frequently removed from the general classroom and given instruction separately or are sent home because of disruptive behaviors. In some cases, the students remain out of class for days or weeks, according to the complaint, and the problem is worse in small and rural districts. Brown's office didn't immediately return a message seeking comment. Marc Siegel, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Education, said he could not comment on pending litigation but added in a statement that the department is “committed to equity and excellence for every learner.” The lawsuit was filed by a list of concerned families, attorneys and advocates, including Disability Rights Oregon, the National Center for Youth Law, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.