NCYL Launches ‘The State of Civil Rights for Students and Schools,’ a 50-State Legal Resource for Families and Advocates
New website and March 19 webinar will help users quickly identify state protections and pathways as federal civil-rights enforcement is weakened
For Immediate Release
The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) today launched “The State of Civil Rights for Students and Schools,” a free online resource that compiles key education civil rights laws and frameworks from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In conjunction with the launch of the new resource, NCYL will host a live webinar on March 19, featuring state and education leaders, to more deeply explore student civil rights and engage with advocates, attorneys, and community partners.
NCYL created “The State of Civil Rights for Students and Schools” so families, advocates, and attorneys can quickly identify protections and pathways for action where they live. The user-friendly resource is an initiative of NCYL’s Education Defense Fund, which was established in response to the federal government’s recent actions to reduce and dismantle civil rights enforcement in schools, which has left many students and families vulnerable to unchecked discrimination.
“Students and families deserve clear, usable information about what protections exist in their state, and what steps they can take when a student’s civil rights are violated,” said Becky Monroe, Senior Director of Civil Rights in Education at NCYL. “This resource is designed to help advocates move quickly, with state-specific information they can use right away.”
The new website allows users to click on a state to find:
- Core state protections and legal frameworks relevant to students’ civil rights;
- Responsible agencies and oversight structures;
- Practical options and pathways for responding to civil rights violations; and
- State and local resources available to support students and parents confronting discrimination in schools.
The resource will continue to be updated and expanded to include additional information identified by partners and advocates and to reflect practice tips with respect to using different state and local enforcement options.
The hourlong webinar on March 19, scheduled to begin at 2pm ET, will offer an opportunity for advocates and community partners to connect and explore ways the site can be used to ensure students receive equitable education opportunities (especially students facing barriers due to disability, racism, socioeconomic status, and more) and support safe and positive school environments where students can learn and thrive.
The Law Firm Antiracism Alliance member firms and volunteer attorneys provided critical research support for “The State of Civil Rights for Students and Schools.” The Alliance is a partnership of nearly 300 private law firms that work collaboratively with legal services organizations to amplify the voices of communities and individuals oppressed by racism and to promote racial equity in the law. The LFAA Education Working Group led the effort to recruit attorneys from firms across the country to conduct research to support students and families combating discrimination.
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The National Center for Youth Law centers youth through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation’s approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every child thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.