Lawsuit Challenges Selective Admissions at New Orleans Charter School

Promoting inclusivity in education for children with disabilities.

News Summary

Parents of a disabled boy have sued Willow School in New Orleans, alleging discrimination in admissions based on academic test performance. The lawsuit claims that reliance on academic tests violates disability rights laws, effectively barring students with disabilities from admission. The case highlights broader concerns about selective admissions processes in public schools and their impact on educational access for disabled children. The plaintiffs seek to end the academic testing requirement and enforce disability law training for staff, with the lawsuit potentially setting a precedent for charter school admissions statewide.

New Orleans – The parents of a disabled boy have filed a lawsuit against the Willow School, a selective charter institution in New Orleans, alleging discriminatory admissions practices after their son, Oscar, was denied admission based on his performance on an academic test. Oscar, who is 9 years old, has profound disabilities, including 21Q Partial Deletion Syndrome, which significantly impacts his cognitive functions and communication abilities.

The legal action initiated by Chris and Cristina Edmunds claims that the school’s use of an academic admissions test is in violation of rights established under various legal protections for students with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Louisiana Human Rights Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The lawsuit argues that the admission policy’s reliance on performance in reading and math tests effectively excludes students like Oscar from participating in the application process.

According to the lawsuit, prospective students at the Willow School must achieve a minimum score on reading and math assessments to be considered for admission. This requirement allegedly prevented Oscar from applying, despite accommodations offered that included a private testing space and additional time. Oscar scored in the 8th percentile for reading and the 2nd percentile for math, which ultimately led to his unsuccessful test results.

Chris Edmunds asserts that public schools are mandated to provide support for students with disabilities and should not employ selective admissions criteria that could sidestep this obligation. He contends that the way the Willow School conducts its admissions process poses an unfair barrier for children like Oscar, who are eager to engage with their peers in educational environments.

The lawsuit requests a jury trial and seeks to put an end to the use of the academic test for admissions at the Willow School. Furthermore, it aims to enforce training for school employees regarding their responsibilities under disability law and to require the school to provide data on the admissions of students with intellectual disabilities dating back to 2015.

In response to the lawsuit, the Willow School has asserted that its admissions policy adheres to legal definitions and is crafted to ensure fairness among applicants. The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools has noted that state law permits certain charter schools to set academic standards as criteria for enrollment.

This case also sheds light on broader issues regarding the selective admissions policies of many public schools in New Orleans, a practice that some critics argue can lead to systemic discrimination against students with disabilities. The lawsuit could potentially set a legal precedent that would influence future admissions processes for charter schools throughout the state, specifically in relation to their obligations to accommodate students with disabilities.

Chris Edmunds previously took legal action against the Archdiocese of New Orleans on similar claims concerning discrimination in admissions practices directed at students with disabilities. The current lawsuit reflects ongoing concerns about educational access for disabled children within the New Orleans public school system.

Oscar has faced challenges in social settings due to his medical condition, which has historically limited his access to group environments. However, he has since been cleared to attend school, and his parents are hopeful that he will have the opportunity to partake in academic and social activities alongside his peers.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications not only for the Edmunds family but also for other families seeking equitable educational opportunities for children with disabilities across the New Orleans area and beyond.