Fact Check: The ruling is expected to make it easier for families of children with disabilities to sue schools over access to education.

Fact Check: "The ruling is expected to make it easier for families of children with disabilities to sue schools over access to education."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling in the case of A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, which is anticipated to significantly ease the process for families of children with disabilities to file lawsuits against schools regarding educational access. The case centered around Ava Tharpe, a teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy, whose family argued that her school district in Minnesota failed to provide necessary accommodations for her education. The lower courts had previously ruled against the Tharpe family, requiring them to demonstrate that the school acted with "bad faith or gross misjudgment," a standard that is more stringent than what is typically required in disability discrimination cases (AP News, NPR). The Supreme Court's ruling reversed this requirement, stating that families should not have to meet a higher burden of proof than other plaintiffs in discrimination cases (NPR).

Analysis

The Supreme Court's decision is seen as a pivotal moment for disability rights, as it aligns the legal standards for educational access with those applicable to other forms of discrimination. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that families facing challenges due to disabilities should not be subjected to a more stringent standard of proof, which could deter them from seeking justice (NPR). The ruling is expected to empower families to hold schools accountable for failing to provide necessary accommodations, thereby enhancing access to education for children with disabilities (AP News, USA Today).

However, there are concerns regarding the implications of this ruling. The Osseo Area Schools district argued that lowering the legal standard could lead to an increase in lawsuits against schools, which are often already underfunded and understaffed. They contended that this could hinder their ability to provide quality education (AP News, NPR). Despite these concerns, the ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for disability rights advocates, who argue that it is essential for ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students (NPR).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the ruling is expected to make it easier for families of children with disabilities to sue schools over access to education is accurate. The Supreme Court's decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools removes the higher burden of proof previously required, thereby facilitating the ability of families to seek legal recourse for inadequate educational accommodations. This ruling is a significant step forward in the fight for equal access to education for children with disabilities.

Sources

1. The Rights of Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA
2. Supreme Court rules for girl with epilepsy in case over access to education
3. Unanimous Supreme Court makes it easier to sue schools
4. Supreme Court ruling hands victory to public school students with disabilities
5. Supreme Court Unlocks New Path to Relief for Disabled Students
6. Supreme Court Decision Lets Students Sue Schools More Easily for Disability Bias
7. Supreme Court makes it easier to sue schools in disability cases
8. Supreme Court makes it easier to sue schools in disability cases