Fact Check: "Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, stated that adopting higher standards would 'eviscerate the core' of disability discrimination laws."
What We Know
The claim revolves around a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning disability discrimination laws, specifically regarding the case of a teenage girl with epilepsy, Ava Tharpe. The Court unanimously decided that the legal standard for suing schools over disability discrimination should not require plaintiffs to demonstrate "bad faith" or "gross misjudgment," which is a higher standard than typically applied in such cases. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that the challenges faced by children with disabilities should not include meeting a more stringent standard of proof than other plaintiffs in discrimination cases (NPR, Washington Post).
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her concurring opinion joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, argued against the imposition of higher standards, stating that doing so would "eviscerate the core" of disability discrimination laws (Washington Post, Education Week). This ruling is seen as a significant win for families seeking to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate educational accommodations.
Analysis
The claim that Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justice Jackson, made a statement about higher standards "eviscerating the core" of disability discrimination laws is accurate. The context of her statement is critical; it was made in response to arguments that suggested a shift towards more stringent legal standards for disability discrimination cases. Sotomayor's assertion reflects a concern that such changes would undermine the protections afforded to individuals with disabilities under existing laws (NPR, CBS News).
The sources reporting on this ruling are credible and come from established news organizations, including NPR and the Washington Post, which are known for their thorough reporting on legal matters. The unanimous nature of the Supreme Court's decision adds weight to the significance of the ruling and the opinions expressed by the justices (Education Week, CBS News).
While Sotomayor's statement is indeed a strong critique of the proposed higher standards, it is essential to understand that her comments were made in the context of a specific legal debate regarding the interpretation of disability laws, rather than a blanket condemnation of all higher standards in legal contexts.
Conclusion
The claim that "Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, stated that adopting higher standards would 'eviscerate the core' of disability discrimination laws" is True. Sotomayor's remarks were made during a Supreme Court ruling that aimed to protect the rights of children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible standards in legal proceedings related to disability discrimination.
Sources
- Unanimous Supreme Court makes it easier to sue schools ...
- Supreme Court win for girl with epilepsy expected to make ...
- Supreme Court Decision Lets Students Sue Schools More Easily for ...
- Unanimous court rebuffs higher standard for discrimination ...
- Minnesota girl with epilepsy wins Supreme Court ruling ... - CBS News
