Education Discrimination
We help ensure every student in the Connecticut public schools has an equal opportunity to participate in public school activities, programs, and courses of study. We fight to make sure that as soon as a child is eligible, they can join in without facing discrimination.
Every Student Deserves Equal Access to Education
Discrimination in schools can derail a student's future. When a student is excluded, punished more harshly, denied services, or denied equal opportunity to participate because of their race, disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, or another protected characteristic, it is not just unfair — it is a violation of the law.
Rights & Remedies helps students and families in Connecticut fight for equal access to education. We handle cases involving discrimination in schools (whether pre-k, k-12, or higher education), disciplinary proceedings, and the denial of appropriate services for students with disabilities.
Types of Education Discrimination We Handle
Racial discrimination — disparate discipline, exclusion from programs, or a hostile school environment based on race
Disability discrimination and denial of services — failure to provide required accommodations
Sex and gender discrimination — unequal treatment, harassment, or exclusion from programs based on sex, gender identity, or gender expression
National origin and language discrimination — failure to provide appropriate language services, or exclusion of English Language Learner (ELL) students
Pregnancy discrimination — exclusion or adverse treatment of pregnant students or student parents
Discriminatory discipline — suspension or expulsion patterns that disproportionately impact students of color or students with disabilities
Your Child's Rights Under Federal and State Law
Several federal laws protect students from discrimination in public schools, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (race), Title IX (sex), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (disability), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Connecticut, additional protections exist under state statutes and the jurisdiction of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
These laws require schools to provide equal educational opportunities and, for students with disabilities, a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. When schools fail to meet these obligations, families have the right to pursue administrative remedies and, in some cases, legal action.
What We Do
We help students and families understand their rights, navigate school processes, and pursue formal complaints when schools fail to address discrimination. We can represent you in CHRO complaints and litigation in Connecticut courts.
If you or your child has been discriminated against at school, contact us for a free consultation. We will help you understand your options and what steps to take.