Frequently Asked Questions
HSPRD has a history of working with both families and with schools to ensure that every student is treated fairly and receives a quality education. HSPRD does not provide traditional general legal services to schools or educational institutions, but instead focuses on issues of discrimination, equity, and inclusion related to students and employees. For each client, our focus is to efficiently resolve any immediate problem and to develop sustainable and progressive policies, practices, and systems that protect all students.
Many students and families face challenges at school with discipline, special education services, discrimination, or other issues. School discipline and special education matters in particular involve specific legal rules and requirements, and they can move quickly. There are many strategies for addressing the needs of students. Often the best response for a family is to resolve concerns directly with school staff, but those conversations are most successful when everyone understands the rights and responsibilities of the students and school. The sooner you have information about your legal rights, the better the likely outcomes for your student. Our attorneys frequently consult with clients early on to develop strategies to address problems, and become directly involved with education disputes to address systemic problems or when needed to formally protect legal rights. For educational institutions, HSPRD tackles specific issues related to equity or discrimination, either in response to a challenge or proactively to ensure every student is treated fairly.
Yes. Both state and federal law protect provide legal protections for students. The Illinois Human Rights Act in particularly directly and explicitly protects students from discrimination, harassment, or exclusion on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. HSPRD attorneys have been at the forefront of supporting students and schools in including students of all gender identities and gender expressions across Illinois. Our attorneys represent students and work in collaboration with students, parents, staff of the Lurie Children’s Hospital Gender and Sex Development Program, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, and other advocates to develop and promote affirming and inclusive policies and practices in schools.
The current administration in Washington DC has and is changing federal guidelines and regulations for civil rights investigations, sexual harassment investigations, and related issues. These changes largely impact how students and schools interact with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. The federal laws that protect students against discrimination generally have not changed and still provide students with many legal protections. Changes in federal law make it more important than ever that students and schools promptly seek legal advice. Illinois laws also provide robust protections and rights related to many education issues. These laws have not and do not change with the politics of Washington DC. School should take care to ensure they meet the latest federal and federal requirements as they protect the rights of all students.
