The US Supreme Court convened on Monday to hear oral arguments in a significant disability rights case, A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, No. 24-249, which could redefine the legal standards involved in public education discrimination claims under disability law. The case stems from a dispute in Minnesota, where a student claims that the local school district failed to uphold fair accommodations for her epilepsy, consequently shortening her school hours significantly compared to peers.
This legal challenge questions whether the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act necessitate a “bad faith or gross misjudgment” standard for students with disabilities seeking redress for discriminatory acts related to their education. Legal counsel for the petitioner, Roman Martinez, contended that the school district’s interpretation could critically alter disability law, potentially weakening protections against discrimination and reducing essential accommodations meant to ensure equal educational opportunities.
The petitioner had previously received an adjusted school schedule in Kentucky to manage her morning seizures. However, upon her move to Minnesota in 2015, the Osseo Area Schools District did not extend these accommodations, effectively limiting her educational participation. After the US District Court for the District of Minnesota and the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled in favor of the school district, the case was elevated to the Supreme Court.
During Monday’s session, tensions ran high as Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed rebuke following sharp exchanges between the defense counsel for the school district and justices over allegations of misrepresentation by the petitioner’s counsel. Lisa S. Blatt, representing Osseo Area Schools, issued a caution over a potential ruling favoring the petitioner, suggesting it might expose a wide array of public schools to increased liabilities under the current “bad faith” criteria.
The Supreme Court’s decision, expected by June, could significantly impact thousands of public school policies across the United States, compelling a reassessment of their obligations under federal disability laws.