News Update

Distance learning preliminary injunction denied in California

At a hearing last week, an Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled to deny requests by parent groups for a preliminary injunction made in May that would have forced the state to take immediate action to improve distance learning conditions, such as closing the digital divide and providing students with mental health services, The Oaklandside reports.

The ruling is the latest step in an ongoing lawsuit filed by a coalition of parents, students, and parent advocacy groups in districts including Los Angeles Unified and Oakland Unified against the state of California. The groups allege that education during the Covid-19 pandemic was inadequate and failed to comply with the state’s constitution.

In particular, the coalition cited unfair access to the technology required for distance learning, a lack of live instruction, and called for free counseling to students and robust plans to address potential learning loss.

Judge Winnefred Smith denied the parent groups’ request for the preliminary injunction, writing that “the court is reluctant to address long-term issues through the short term of a preliminary injunction,” according to The Oaklandside. She also pointed to Assembly Bill 86, which provides schools with funding to create safe in-person learning environments and funds additional academic support after the pandemic.

The case is still ongoing and it could be several months before a final ruling is made.