ACLU Files ‘Groundbreaking’ Lawsuit Claiming Right To Learn To Read
Saturday, July 14th, 2012
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed suit against the state on Thursday on behalf of about 1,000 grade-school kids from Highland Park, Mich. who are not reading at grade level.
The ACLU says this is a “ground breaking” lawsuit with potentially national implications that asserts “a child’s fundamental right to read.” The lawsuit, according to The Detroit Free Press, is grounded in guarantees by state law and the Michigan state constitution that children will either be reading at grade level or will be provided special assistance to get there.
This is an amazing situation. Say what you will about the various circumstances and reasons behind students not reading near grade level, this is the first lawsuit that is attempting to hold a state and a district to a fundamental level and on behalf of 1,000 students.
In the words of one young (14 year old) man, in his letter to the Governor:
“My name is Quemtin . . . and you can make the school gooder by geting people that will do the jod that is pay for get a football tame for the kinds mybe a baksball tamoe get a other jamtacher for the school get a lot of tacher.”
If there is no accountability, there will never be real progress and children with learning disabilities will fall even further behind their peers. Unfortunately we are still at a stage where we need to constantly fight for the rights of kids with special needs to get access to what they are both entitled to and what they deserve.
Orla, you’re right. There has to be the right kinds of accountability and teeth to it. I’m not a big fan of lawsuits but when people/the system doesn’t do its job, I applaud them.
It will certainly get people’s attention and force the focus.
My 14 year old daughter has a reading disability. And the school she goes to does the testing and the progress reports.But over the last couple years we set somethings up.like she does not read in front of the class. She has things read to her from test.but here is the problem every year it seems we have to start over. I really don’t see how this can help her if anything I feel it sets her back. Her confadence is low because of it and she thinks she is just stupid.it breaks my heart to hear her talk about her feelings towards her education.I am at an ends and really do not know what to do. But if something does not get done I fear what her future may bring . I am not sure what my choices are or who I can even talk to because talking to anyone at the school does not get me anywhere .I am at an absalute lost. I want to help my child but I do not know how. Need help