San Diego County parents who have kids with disabilities were applauding a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday. The justices say moms and dads don't have to hire a lawyer to sue a school district. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
The Supreme Court case involved a Cleveland mom who wanted to sue her local school district in federal court for not providing adequate education programs for her autistic son. But the district said she couldn't until she hired a lawyer. In the end, the justices ruled in favor of the mom. The decision will impact local cases.
County PTA president Brian Bonner says it's a good ruling because parents are their child's best advocate.
Bonner : They're the ones that have their child's best interest at heart. It’s important that parents be able to advocate for to the best extent possible for their kids.
Bonner says many parents decide against court because they can't afford a lawyer or can't find one. School district officials believe the ruling will lead to more lawsuits and result in higher legal costs for public schools.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
