Delays and Uncertainty Over Education for Students with Disabilities in Michigan

Students engaging in meaningful learning experiences in an inclusive setting.

News Summary

Michigan students with disabilities are facing significant challenges as delays in support and communication breakdowns plague the education system. George Finley Jr., a seventh grader with epilepsy, is one of many affected by the lack of resources and advocacy resources due to cuts in federal education staff. Parents are overwhelmed by the backlog of civil rights cases and funding shortfalls, raising concerns about the future of special education services in the state. Advocacy groups highlight the urgent need for better support and enforcement of civil rights protections for vulnerable students.

Delays and Uncertainty Haunt Michigan Students with Disabilities

In Detroit, a seventh grader named George Finley Jr. is facing a challenging battle. After starting to experience epileptic seizures, George has fallen behind in his studies. His devoted mother, Sheri King, has been tirelessly advocating for him, pushing for the Detroit Public Schools Community District to provide the outside tutoring they had agreed to back in November. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened yet, leaving George’s educational needs unmet.

Communication Breakdown

The situation has been complicated further by recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration. With the federal education department reducing its staff and services, communication between families like the Kings and the school district has hit rough waters. The civil rights attorney who had been assisting them lost their job due to staff layoffs, making it even harder for parents to navigate the complex landscape of educational rights.

The impact of these cuts is particularly evident in Michigan, where more than half of the regional civil rights enforcement offices have been closed. This has created a significant barrier in the investigation and resolution of civil rights complaints related to schools. The remaining offices are now burdened with a growing backlog of cases, leaving many parents feeling anxious and uncertain about their children’s education and rights.

Volume of Cases Grows

Currently, there are an astonishing 782 civil rights cases under investigation in Michigan, with over half of those—462 cases—pertaining specifically to disability discrimination. Many parents, including Jacquelyn Binford, are left in the dark regarding updates on their cases, some of which have mediation hearing dates that have come and gone without a resolution. It’s a hectic and emotional rollercoaster for families, who are just trying to ensure their children receive the appropriate support in education.

Recent Developments

Prior to these governmental changes, numerous cases, particularly those involving significant disability discrimination, were nearing mediation or resolution but suddenly came to a halt. Students rely on civil rights protections to ensure fair access to education, including protections under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which safeguards the rights of students with disabilities.

Frustration Mounts

hopelessness and frustration as they confront the daunting delays and lack of communication from the Department of Education. Adding to the chaos, the Michigan Department of Education is currently under federal investigation for allegedly violating the rights of students with disabilities during the tumultuous periods of COVID-era school closures.

Funding Woes

Concerns for Future Services

The stories of families like George’s remind us that there is still a long road ahead in ensuring that every child receives the education and support they truly deserve.