DOJ Action on Disability Rights
On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released its investigation findings of the Special School District of St. Louis County, highlighting that the District’s seclusion and restraint practices violate Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. From the investigation: “Missouri parents and guardians entrust their vulnerable children with disabilities to SSD on…
This report, by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division outlines key highlights of the Division’s work from 2021 to 2024 across policing, juvenile facilities, schools and beyond.
From the introduction: “Imagine you’re a student with a disability that impacts how you interact with others and process situations. In an instant, that disability may be criminalized, and you could find yourself thrust into a juvenile justice system that offers little support and few education resources. This scenario is all too common. Thousands of…
From the executive summary: “The Department of Justice has reasonable cause to believe that the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Louisville Metro) and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law: • LMPD uses excessive force, including unjustified…
On May 26, 2021, the DOJ filed a Statement of Interest in a federal class action lawsuit on behalf students confined in the DC Jail during the Covid-19 pandemic, alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The DOJ asserted that “[s]tudents with disabilities do not forfeit their right to special education and…
On February 13, 2014, the DOJ filed a Statement of Interest in a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of young people confined in the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall, alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The DOJ reiterated that “Defendants (Contra Costa County) are required to provide special education and…
