Multiple families have taken legal action against the Clark County School District, filing a class action lawsuit that accuses the district of failing to provide a proper education for students with disabilities. The 58-page complaint alleges that the district has violated the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, leading to what the lawyers describe as an “unprecedented crisis” for students with disabilities. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 12 children from nine families, emphasizes the urgent need for immediate and decisive action to address the harm being inflicted on these vulnerable children.
The school district declined to comment on the pending litigation when contacted by the Review-Journal, leaving the allegations unaddressed. The lawsuit claims that the district has not properly identified students with learning disabilities and has maintained policies that systematically deny students a free and appropriate education. The attorneys behind the lawsuit, including Las Vegas attorney Lori Rogich, assert that CCSD’s failure to comply with federal laws has created a situation of gross governmental malfeasance and a profound inability to support the vulnerable population of students with disabilities.
Lori Rogich, who previously won a lawsuit against the district for violating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, expressed disappointment in the district’s continued shortcomings in providing proper education for students with disabilities. Despite previous legal action, the situation persists, prompting the current class action lawsuit to seek significant changes within the educational system. The complaint, authored by a team of attorneys specializing in special education litigation, calls for a federal monitor to oversee a restructuring of the district’s educational system to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
The lawsuit seeks to compel the Clark County School District to adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Attorneys are advocating for the proper identification of children with disabilities, the implementation of individualized education programs, the elimination of physical restraints and seclusion techniques, and ensuring that employees receive adequate training to support students with disabilities effectively. The goal is to address systemic deficiencies within the district and provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for students with disabilities.
Subheadings:
Challenges Faced by Families
Legal Action and Advocacy
Seeking Systemic Change
One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Melissa Rose, a guidance counselor for the school district, shared her struggles in navigating the district’s special education policies. Her son, who has multiple disabilities including autism, Tourette syndrome, and Usher syndrome, has faced challenges in accessing necessary communication tools at school. Rose’s advocacy for her son’s needs reflects a larger issue within the district where students with disabilities are not receiving the appropriate support to thrive academically and socially.
Caitlin Werlinger, another parent involved in the lawsuit, highlighted the difficulties her son faced in receiving a proper evaluation for dyslexia and subsequent educational support. Despite her efforts to advocate for her son’s needs, he continues to struggle academically without the appropriate accommodations. Werlinger’s experience sheds light on the barriers families face in accessing the resources and support necessary for students with disabilities to succeed in the school system.
Iva Lewis, a parent of a nonverbal and autistic child, expressed concerns about her son’s safety and educational progress within the special education classes. Lewis’s son has faced challenges in basic skills development and behavioral management, raising questions about the quality of education and support provided to students with disabilities in the district. Her experiences underscore the need for comprehensive changes to ensure that all students receive the necessary accommodations and support to reach their full potential.
The class action lawsuit is not intended to target teachers within the Clark County School District but rather to address systemic deficiencies that hinder their ability to effectively support students with disabilities. The lack of resources, training, and staffing shortages within the district are cited as contributing factors to the challenges faced by teachers and students alike. By highlighting these issues, the lawsuit aims to bring attention to the need for significant reforms to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for students with disabilities.
