LUNA PEREZ v. STURGIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In an unanimous decision today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a deaf student who sued his public school system for providing an inadequate education. The school district had argued that since Perez had settled his special education due process case under IDEA that he could not move forward to pursue damages under the ADA. The Court disagreed.

 The case involved Miguel Luna Perez, a former student from Sturgis, Michigan. His parents argued that the school system neglected him for 12 years and lied to them about his progress, resulting in a permanent communication disability. Perez and his family settled a due process complaint against the school system. The School argued that because they had settled the case, and no due process hearing was held, that the parents had not exhausted their remedies and they could not pursue ADA claims. The Court disagreed and said the parents still had the option of pursuing ADA claims and damages against the school district. Justice Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the ruling has significant implications for children with disabilities and their parents. This landmark case sets a precedent for other disabled students who have experienced similar failures by school officials.

The ruling is significant and reinforces the legal obligation of public schools to provide a quality education to all students, including those with disabilities, not just under IDEA but the ADA. Moving forward, this ruling will serve as a powerful tool for disabled students and their families who seek to hold their schools accountable for failing to provide an appropriate education. It is a step towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to the education they deserve.