Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Disabled Students in Landmark Decision

In a landmark decision on June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools that students with disabilities are entitled to the same legal standards in discrimination claims as individuals in other contexts, eliminating the need to prove "bad faith or gross misjudgment" by educational institutions.

This pivotal ruling addresses the case of Ava Tharpe, a Minnesota student with severe epilepsy, whose request for evening instruction was denied by her school district, resulting in fewer instructional hours. The Court's decision harmonizes legal standards nationwide, ensuring that students with disabilities can seek accommodations without facing heightened burdens of proof.

Background of the Case

Ava Tharpe, a teenager with a rare form of epilepsy, experiences frequent morning seizures that prevent her from attending school before noon. While residing in Kentucky, her school district accommodated her condition by providing evening instruction, allowing her to receive the same amount of educational time as her peers. In 2015, after moving to Minnesota, the Osseo Area Schools district denied her request for similar accommodations, resulting in Ava receiving fewer instructional hours than other students. This led her family to file a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act, alleging discrimination.

Legal Proceedings and Supreme Court Decision

Initially, lower courts dismissed Ava's claims, applying a heightened standard that required proof of "bad faith or gross misjudgment" by the school district. The Supreme Court overturned this, holding that students alleging disability discrimination in education are subject to the same legal standards as in other contexts, without the need to prove intent to discriminate. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that students with disabilities should not face more stringent standards to establish discrimination.

Implications of the Ruling

This landmark decision harmonizes legal standards nationwide, ensuring that students with disabilities are not subjected to higher burdens of proof when seeking accommodations in educational settings. The ruling is hailed as a significant victory for disability rights, expected to simplify the legal path for families seeking educational accommodations for children with disabilities.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) celebrated the decision, stating that it affirms the right of students with disabilities to challenge discrimination in their education without facing unfair legal barriers. Similarly, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) applauded the ruling, emphasizing that it strengthens the rights of students with disabilities and reaffirms their access to equal education under the law.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. By eliminating the requirement to prove "bad faith or gross misjudgment," the Court has removed a significant legal hurdle, reinforcing the principles of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. This decision not only impacts the parties involved but also sets a precedent that will influence educational policies and disability rights advocacy nationwide.