Education

Focus Area

NCYL’s Education work aims to create an education ecosystem that centers youth. We work to ensure equitable education opportunities to all children and youth – especially those who experience barriers due to disability, racism, socioeconomic status and more. We also work to ensure safe and positive school environments where students can learn and thrive.

Center Youth
NCYL partners directly with youth to improve their education outcomes, identify opportunities for reform, file litigation and engage in policy advocacy.

Black Parallel School Board v. Sacramento City Unified School District

Filing Date2019-09-06

The suit alleges flagrant districtwide disability and race discrimination against students with disabilities, especially Black students.

Active

J.N. v. Oregon Department of Education

Filing Date2019-01-22

The State of Oregon has effectively denied hundreds of children with disabilities the opportunity to attend school for a full day, in violation of federal laws, the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Rehabilitation Act.

Active

COPAA v. DeVos, 2018

Filing Date2018-07-12

This lawsuit filed on behalf of Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) seeks to ensure timely compliance with an important U.S. Department of Education regulation.

Active

See All Laws & Policy

California SB 531: Student Mental Health Education (2025)

Bill will expand mental health education access to all California students

SB 531 will help empower young Californians and destigmatize mental health challenges by requiring all California students in grades 1-12 be provided with an age-appropriate mental health education.

Active

Supporting Students in the Foster System and Students Experiencing Homelessness (2024)

AB 2137 (Quirk-Silva)

Assembly Bill (AB) 2137 that would increase direct support for students, streamline services through better collaboration, and reduce gaps in financial aid application completion.

Active

Expanding Access to Diplomas for Highly Mobile Students (2021 & 2022)

SB 532 (Caballero)

SB 532 builds bridges to a high school diploma and post-secondary educational success for highly mobile students.

Enacted

Related Resources

Legal FAQ: Supporting Inclusive Education in California after Mahmoud v. Taylor

This resource is intended to support California public school leaders in continuing to provide inclusive education in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, issued in June 2025. Please note, this resource was created for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.

In Harm’s Way: The Persistence of Unjust Discipline Experienced by California’s Students

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate that California’s educators continue to kick students out of school at disparate and high rates, mostly for minor misconduct, and that students in the foster system and those experiencing homelessness are being removed from school at far higher rates than others.

Youth and Community Advocacy Resources

Where We Focus

National Center for Youth Law is committed to achieving large-scale, lasting change across multiple government systems and public agencies. Explore all the areas of our work to Center Youth.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation