Louisiana families worry about how lawsuit could impact kids with disabilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana is one of 17 states in a lawsuit involving Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Some families worry this could impact their children with disabilities.

The lawsuit Texas v. Becerra was filed this year by states’ attorneys general. They claim the Biden administration’s expansion of disabilities to include gender dysphoria is unconstitutional. It includes language calling for Section 504 to be declared unconstitutional. Section 504 provides protections for people with disabilities, ensuring they cannot be discriminated against in federal funding.

“We joined that lawsuit because of regulations that were overreaching regulations,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R).

Murrill said the lawsuit is in line with actions taken against Title IX expansion.

Charlotte Cravins lives in Baton Rouge, and her son Landry Cravins has Down syndrome and is partially blind.

“He has his own full-time schedule even though he’s only one year old,” said Cravins.

Cravins said her son can take advantage of Medicaid and Louisiana’s Early Intervention Program thanks to Section 504.

“Programs that receive federal funding cannot discriminate against people with disabilities,” Cravins said.

Murrill said she’s been listening to people who are concerned.

“It’s caused a lot of anxiety in the disability community,” Murrill said.

Murrill said she has been assured the lawsuit will be settled within a week with that language being struck by the final decision.

“I do want to reassure people that the case will settle,” Murrill said.

Cravins said she is still skeptical and worries about the future of families whose kids have disabilities.

“They shouldn’t have to fight for basic things like an education or programs that help them have an independent life,” said Cravins.

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