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The Lost Promise Of Disability Rights, Claire Raj

Michigan Law Review

Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable students in public schools. They are the most likely to be bullied, harassed, restrained, or segregated. For these and other reasons, they also have the poorest academic outcomes. Overcoming these challenges requires full use of the laws enacted to protect these students’ affirmative right to equal access and an environment free from discrimination. Yet, courts routinely deny their access to two such laws—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section 504).

Courts too often overlook the affirmative obligations contained in these two disability rights …

Implying A Cause Of Action Under Section 503 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973, Michigan Law Review

Michigan Law Review

This Note urges courts to recognize a private right of action under section 503. Part I reviews all the evidence of legislative intent available today. It concludes that by now the congressional desire for a private right of action has become abundantly clear. Part II examines the more difficult issue of when that congressional desire crystallized into law. It finds ample reliable evidence that a private right of action has existed since Congress first passed section 503 in 1973.