Mount Scott

Parents of children with disabilities in our school community have witnessed a disturbing pattern of civil rights violations that cannot be ignored. Despite staff explicitly acknowledging the needs of these students, the school repeatedly failed to provide formalized special education supports or legally required evaluations. Instead of implementing appropriate services under IDEA or Section 504, children with learning differences were disproportionately reprimanded, excluded, or suspended—often for behaviors directly linked to their disabilities. These students were held to academic and behavioral standards beyond their demonstrated capacities, damaging their confidence and sense of belonging. What’s worse, school staff gaslighted families by downplaying valid concerns, refusing accountability, and justifying harmful practices with claims of limited resources. Parents who advocated for their children were met with increased scrutiny, and even other students were targeted simply for associating with peers who had disabilities. This pattern reflects not only a systemic disregard for disability rights, but also a climate of retaliation and exclusion that violates both state and federal civil rights laws.