Drinker Biddle and Advocacy Groups File Federal Lawsuit Against Philadelphia School District

Drinker Biddle attorneys, along with the Public Interest Law Center and the Education Law Center, have filed suit against the School District of Philadelphia, alleging that the School District refuses to interpret or provide parents with translated documents in a timely manner, hindering their ability to participate in meetings and make informed decisions regarding educational placements and services.

Philadelphia partner Paul Saint-Antoine and associates Chanda Miller, Aviva Reinfeld and Lucas Michelen are representing the plaintiffs pro bono. According to the class action complaint, at least 26,000 students in the Philadelphia School District come from families who speak languages other than English.  A significant percentage of these families include children with disabilities who are entitled to individualized education programs.  Yet, the parents are unable to assist with the development of such programs, because the School District refuses to translate essential planning documents, in violation of federal and state law.

To learn more, read the Education Law Center’s press release on their website.

The suit has been covered by several publications. Read the reports from The Philadelphia Daily News, KYW Newsradio, and The Notebook.