Public Counsel

October 1, 2021

Anticipating an increase in student misbehavior, California releases new discipline guidelines

Fewer suspensions, more counseling for students should be the focus for schools, state advises in new discipline guidelines.

May 10, 2021

Students, community organizations ask judge to order mental health services, internet access

The lawsuit argues top education officials must monitor districts to see that billions in Covid relief address students' pressing needs.

December 3, 2020

California lawsuit charges 'inequitable' distance learning; Chancellor Tim White's exit interview

An attorney suing the state explains why distance learning is violating Black and Latino students' constitutional rights; departing CSU Chancellor Tim White looks back and ahead.

March 24, 2020

Despite assurances of flexibility, educators fear liability in online instruction of special ed students

Some districts had cut back on services for disabled students out of fear of lawsuits over equity.

February 21, 2020

Lawsuit settlement results in $50 million for reading programs in California schools

Funds will be shared by 75 elementary schools with the lowest reading scores.

July 26, 2018

California kids who didn’t learn to read to get day in court

The lawsuit demands that the state improve reading and writing instruction in schools serving low-income students of color.

April 5, 2018

How a tiny Native American community's trauma might impact education law

A judge’s ruling in a case brought on behalf of schoolchildren in a Grand Canyon reservation could impact whether school districts are required to provide disability services to students impacted by trauma and adversity.

David Washburn

December 12, 2016

Feds resolved nearly 100 civil rights complaints in California schools in 2016

The final report comes amid suggestions that the administration of Donald Trump will be less aggressive about enforcing civil rights laws in schools and colleges.