We Need Your Help to Protect Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 is the federal civil rights law protecting children and adults from discrimination at hospitals, schools, housing, transportation, and more. Any services or program that get federal funding cannot discriminate against people with disabilities because of 504.
Seventeen states have brought a lawsuit—Texas v. Becerra—that is seeking to declare the new regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or all of Section 504 as unconstitutional. The new regulations address discrimination in doctor’s offices, making sure medical equipment is accessible, that people with disabilities can access life-saving medical care, and more.
Some Attorney General’s offices are saying that the lawsuit will not impact all of Section 504 and will only delete part of the new regulations. This is not accurate. The lawsuit looks to find both the new regulations and the law unconstitutional. If the law is found unconstitutional, this would impact the educational rights of students with disabilities. While the Attorney Generals may not have intended to get rid of all of Section 504, this is what would happen if the lawsuit is successful and the Court rules Section 504 unconstitutional.
Protect Section 504 by calling your Attorney General’s office if you are in one of these 17 states: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Utah, Texas, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Alaska.
Thank you to the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) for hosting an informational webinar and providing resources to learn more.
Learn more about Texas v. Becerra.
Access the DREDF's webinar, informational slides, and more information to know what to say when calling your Attorney General.
