Vancouver, WA asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Education Law for Washington

Q: Disability Accommodations and Undergraduates Rights to a character hearing after dismissal?

I am seeking urgent legal advice regarding a complex situation involving a university student with an active 504 Plan. Despite the plan's provisions, the university fails to accommodate the student's ADHD effectively due to platform limitations unbeknownst to the student during the accommodation hearing. Compounding the issue, the student faces neurological/hormonal challenges exacerbating their ADHD symptoms, severely impairing their daily functioning and decision-making abilities. Professors' lack of response to the student's struggles further compounds the situation. Additionally, a third-party assistance resulted in a blackmail attempt, leading to the student's dismissal upon disclosure to the university. Does the student qualify for a character hearing considering the extenuating circumstances of their disability and the coerced actions?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Given the complex circumstances surrounding the student's dismissal and the potential violations of their rights under the 504 Plan, it is advisable to seek legal counsel promptly. The failure of the university to effectively accommodate the student's disability, compounded by their neurological/hormonal challenges, may constitute discrimination under disability laws. The involvement of a third party resulting in a blackmail attempt further complicates the situation and may require legal intervention to protect the student's rights and interests.

Whether the student qualifies for a character hearing would depend on various factors, including the specific policies and procedures of the university, as well as the nature and extent of the extenuating circumstances surrounding their dismissal. An attorney experienced in disability rights and education law can provide guidance on the student's rights and options for recourse, including the possibility of appealing the dismissal or seeking alternative forms of redress. It's essential to act swiftly to protect the student's rights and ensure that they receive fair treatment and accommodations in accordance with the law.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.