U.S. Supreme Court Eases Path for Students Alleging Disability Discrimination

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 alleging disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are not required to prove "bad faith or gross misjudgment" by school officials. This ruling aligns the legal standards for educational settings with those in other disability discrimination contexts, simplifying the legal process for students seeking accommodations.

The case centered on Ava Tharpe, referred to as A.J.T. in court documents, a student with severe epilepsy that causes frequent morning seizures, limiting her ability to attend school before noon. After relocating to Minnesota in 2015, her new school district, Osseo Area Schools, refused to provide evening instruction, resulting in her receiving fewer instructional hours than her peers. The Supreme Court's decision overturns the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals' dismissal of her discrimination claims, which had been based on the previously required heightened standard.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the Court, emphasized that claims under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act "based on educational services should be subject to the same standards that apply in other disability discrimination contexts." This ruling harmonizes the legal standards for educational settings with those in other disability discrimination contexts, rejecting the heightened standard previously applied in some jurisdictions.

The ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for disability rights advocates. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) stated that the decision "sends a strong message that schools must be held accountable under all applicable federal disability laws." Similarly, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) welcomed the decision, emphasizing that families should not have to clear a nearly impossible legal hurdle to hold schools accountable for failing to meet their obligations under federal disability law.

For students with disabilities and their families, this decision provides a clearer and more accessible path to seek redress when educational institutions fail to provide necessary accommodations. It underscores the importance of equal educational opportunities and reinforces the legal obligations of schools to accommodate students with disabilities.

The Supreme Court's unanimous decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools marks a significant advancement in disability rights within educational settings, ensuring that students with disabilities are afforded equal protection under the law and reinforcing the obligations of schools to accommodate their needs.