Supreme Court Sympathetic to Deaf Student's Education Case
Supreme Court Hears Important Education Case for Students with Disabilities
On Wednesday, Miguel Perez, accompanied by sign-language interpreters, appeared for oral argument. (📸: William Hennessy)
JANUARY 19, 2023 - The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed sympathetic to the arguments of a deaf student who sued his public school system for providing an inadequate education, a legal challenge important for other disabled students and their families. The question for the justices involves a federal law that guarantees disabled students an education specific to their needs. During 90 minutes in the courtroom, liberal and conservative justices suggested they were inclined to rule for the student, Miguel Luna Perez.
The Public School System Neglected and Denied Education to Miguel Luna Perez
Miguel Luna Perez's lawyer said that for 12 years, the public school system in Sturgis, Michigan, “neglected Miguel, denied him an education and lied to his parents about the progress he was allegedly making in school.” The school system also mislead his parents into believing he was on track to earn his high school diploma. Just before graduation, however, his family was told he qualified only for a “certificate of completion," not a diploma.
Perez's Family Pursues Claims Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Perez's family responded by pursuing claims under two laws: the broad Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against disabled people, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The latter guarantees children with disabilities a free public education that is tailored to their specific needs. The district agreed to pay for extra schooling and sign language instruction for Perez and his family, among other things. The family then went to federal court and, under the ADA, sought monetary damages, which are not available under the IDEA.
Whats next?
Stay tuned as the Supreme Court continues to hear the important case of Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, which has the potential to set a precedent for the education of disabled students in the United States. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on the rights and opportunities of students with disabilities and their families, and we will continue to provide updates as the case develops.