A group of middle and high school students have filed a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit saying violence at home and in their neighborhoods has impaired their ability to learn at school.
The case involves a group of California students and three teachers who allege that the Compton Unified School District failed to recognize and address their trauma-induced disabilities, and therefore has denied their legal right to an equal education.
Plaintiffs reported witnessing repeated shootings and being shot at themselves, experiencing sexual assault, and being homeless. One plaintiff lived openly on the roof of the school cafeteria for two months.
The lawsuit seeks consistent mental health support for students, as well as training and coaching for teachers to understand trauma and respond appropriately. The plaintiffs want to end punitive discipline like suspensions and expulsions, which they allege traumatize students and push them into the criminal justice system.
Lawyers argued that school district teachers and administrators knew of the issues that caused students to act out and do poorly in school, but offered no help. They demand that the district establish “trauma-informed policies” for all students because so many of them are affected.
School officials contend that trauma isn’t a disability and suggest that students’ bad behavior could be the result of immaturity or bad judgment.
Underpinning the plaintiffs’ case is new research that shows repeated exposure to trauma causes both long-term and immediate damage to developing brains and bodies. According to a 2015 report, students who reported three or more adverse childhood experiences were four times more likely to fail in school, and six times more likely to have serious behavior problems.
Last fall, a District Judge agreed to allow the case to move forward, ruling that the students could be entitled to accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If the plaintiffs prevail, they could pave the way for large-scale changes in school policies nationwide.
Learn more: http://www.traumaandlearning.org/#!summary–key-documents/c12wl
