Special Education Law: Evaluation and Identification
July 30, 2008
Children identified as having disabilities have different rights from other students. Accordingly, the identification process is a very important step. It begins with a referral sent to the student’s school district – specifically, a written request for an evaluation of whether the child is eligible for, and needs, special education services. This request can be made by the child’s parent, school personnel, or another appropriate person (such as a physician or a social worker).
Once the school district receives a referral, it must convene a planning and placement team (“PPT”) to review the referral, determine whether further evaluation is necessary and, ultimately, decide whether the child requires special education services. If the PPT requests further evaluation of your child, such evaluation will be conducted at the school district’s expense. Once the PPT has made its determination, you have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (“IEE”) of your child if you disagree with the PPT’s decision. If, after the IEE, you still disagree with the PPT, you may request a hearing in accordance with State Department of Education regulations. Our attorneys will work with your family to determine the best course of action and to protect your child’s educational rights, while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
A Woman’s Right – 3 who fought back and won
July 28, 2008
A cleaning woman, who speaks no English, is raped by a supervisor. A plumber’s boss insists that she change into work clothes in front of male employees. A proofreader is fondled by a coworker. Other employees tell obscene jokes and make sexist remarks.
All three women filed complaints with the New York City Commission on Human Rights – and won. [Read more]
More Women Accuse Smith Barney of Bias
July 25, 2008
New York – In the largest sexual-harassment and discrimination lawsuit of its kind against a Wall Street firm, 20 more women have joined four plaintiffs in suing the brokerage Smith Barney. [Read more]
School Secretary Wins $100G Discrimination Suit
July 24, 2008
After seven years of allegedly suffering constant harassment, as well as verbal and physical abuse, School Board 8′s long-time secretary won a $100,000 settlement with the Board of Education for their lack of disciplining Dennis Coleman. The controversial school board member at the center of the harassment case still remains on the board. [Read more]
Faulty Misconceptions of Connecticut No-Fault Divorce
July 23, 2008
Doesn’t fault always matter?
Connecticut is known as a no-fault divorce state. In fact, almost all of the states in this country now have provisions for no-fault divorce. While controversy will continue to exist as to whether no-fault divorce provisions have led to the downfall of marriage in the United States, the question is … doesn’t fault always matter? [Read more]
Fairfield High School Racial Bias Charged
July 22, 2008
Alleging racial discrimination, three minority students at Fairfield High School — arrested in February after a fight broke out in the school parking lot — plan to sue the town, claiming they were singled out base upon their “ethnicity and national origin.” [Read more]
Naugatuck Woman Charges Discrimination
July 22, 2008
NAUGATUCK – A Naugatuck Police officer has notified the borough she intends to file a discrimination lawsuit against the police department, according to a letter filed Monday at Town Hall. [Read more]
3 Fairfield students promise legal action for discrimination
July 21, 2008
FAIRFIELD — Three minority students at Fairfield High School – arrested after a brawl last February in the school’s parking lot –plan to sue the town, claiming they were singled out for arrest because of their race and ethnicity. [Read more]
Harassment at work: Young employees vulnerable, should know their rights
July 21, 2008
In her mid-20s, Melanie Chalwell worked for a boss who was constantly hitting on her. Whenever she talked to him, he tried to brush up against her. [Read more]
Issue of Harassment Spurs Thoughts Of Workplace Liability Protection
July 21, 2008
In the aftermath of the searing Interrogation of Justice Clarence Thomas and Anita F. Hill by the United States Senate, national attention has been focused on the Issue of sexual harassment. [Read more]
