The recent US Supreme Court ruling on disability discrimination in educational settings has significant implications for New Mexico's Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and the state's special education funding. The court's decision, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, rejected a "two-tiered" approach used by some appellate courts, stating that all suits should face the same standard of proof.
In New Mexico, this decision has sparked a heated debate over special education funding. APS Superintendent Brian Harvey has expressed concerns that a proposed budget reduction of $3 million would harm students' educational outcomes. However, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration argues the cuts are necessary to balance the state's budget.
The court's decision is a significant victory for advocates of disability rights, including Roman Martinez, attorney for the girl's family in a landmark case. He hailed the ruling as a win for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country, stating it will help protect reasonable accommodations needed for equal opportunity.
The implications of this ruling and its impact on New Mexico's special education funding remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the court's decision has set a new standard for addressing disability discrimination in educational settings.