Fact Check: The girl's attorney Roman Martinez called the ruling a win for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country.

Fact Check: "The girl's attorney Roman Martinez called the ruling a win for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling that is expected to significantly ease the process for families of children with disabilities to sue school districts for discrimination. This ruling stemmed from a case involving a teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy, whose family argued that her school district failed to provide necessary accommodations for her disability. The lower courts had previously ruled against the family, requiring them to prove that the school acted with "bad faith or gross misjudgment," a standard that is more stringent than that typically applied in disability discrimination cases (source-1, source-3).

The Supreme Court's decision clarified that lawsuits against schools regarding disability accommodations should adhere to the same legal standards as other discrimination claims. Chief Justice John Roberts noted that children with disabilities "face daunting challenges on a daily basis" and should not be subjected to a higher standard of proof (source-2, source-4).

Roman Martinez, the attorney representing the girl, stated that the ruling is a victory not only for his client but also for "children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country" (source-3, source-7).

Analysis

The claim that Roman Martinez characterized the Supreme Court ruling as a win for children with disabilities is supported by multiple reputable sources. The unanimous decision of the Supreme Court is a landmark ruling that aligns with the broader goals of disability rights advocates, as it lowers the burden of proof for families seeking justice against school districts that fail to provide adequate accommodations.

The sources cited are credible, including major news outlets like the Associated Press and CBS News, which reported on the ruling and included direct quotes from Martinez. The ruling is also celebrated by organizations advocating for the rights of students with disabilities, such as COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates), which highlights the significance of this decision in protecting the rights of disabled students (source-5, source-6).

The analysis of the ruling indicates a shift towards greater protections for disabled students, which is a crucial step in ensuring equitable access to education. Martinez's statement reflects this shift and emphasizes the ruling's broader implications for children with disabilities nationwide.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Roman Martinez called the Supreme Court ruling a win for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools is accurate. His statement is corroborated by multiple credible sources that report on the ruling's significance and its implications for disability rights in education.

Sources

1. US Supreme Court bolsters school disability protections
2. Supreme Court decision makes it easier for disabled students to sue school districts for bias
3. Minnesota girl with epilepsy wins Supreme Court ruling
4. US Supreme Court Bolsters School Disability Protections
5. COPAA Celebrates Landmark Win for Students with Disabilities
6. Supreme Court Unanimously Sides With Disabled Student
7. Supreme Court win for girl with epilepsy expected to make disability lawsuits against schools easier
8. Supreme Court Decision Lets Students Sue Schools More Easily for Disability Bias