Resource: CHARLES H. V. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Charles H. v. District of Columbia is a class action challenging the District of Columbia’s failure to provide special education and related services to students at the DC Jail during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plaintiffs allege that the District is failing to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, federal implementing regulations, and District of Columbia law which requires defendants to provide a “free appropriate public education” to all students. Over a year ago on March 13, 2020, DC Public Schools (DCPS) stopped in-person classes for all students due to the pandemic. Although DCPS resumed virtual education for most students in the community, for the approximately 40 students enrolled in DCPS at the DC Jail complex, all of whom have disabilities and special education needs, DCPS has never resumed classes in any format. Without this Court’s swift intervention, plaintiffs will continue to languish without education and the critical supports they need, causing irreparable educational and social-emotional harm.