Lawton et al. v. Success Academy Charter Schools, Inc. (2018): Charter School Disciplinary Approaches and Students With Disabilities.

This article focuses on the legal and educational challenges faced by students with disabilities in charter schools employing strict "no-excuses" disciplinary practices, as illustrated by the 2018 case Lawton et al. v. Success Academy Charter Schools, Inc. The case involved allegations that Success Academy failed to provide necessary accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, resulting in discriminatory disciplinary actions and exclusion from educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The settlement highlighted the importance of charter schools complying with federal mandates to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and ensuring disciplinary policies do not impede access or services for students with disabilities. The article emphasizes the need for proactive planning, appropriate behavioral supports, and safeguards against retaliation to uphold the rights of students with disabilities in charter school settings.