Get free answers to your Education Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I’m a PhD student registered with disability services (SAS) for ASD and executive functioning impairments. My neuropsych eval recommends structured advising, written expectations, and support with academic communication. I requested these for my dissertation prospectus, but my advisor replied... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 504, once a faculty member or department has actual or constructive knowledge of a student's disability, they are required to engage in the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. This process involves discussing... View More
I received an email from my university stating that if no one comes forward about tampering with the fire alarms on my dorm floor by Friday, the entire floor will be fined. The dorm policy does not mention fines for students in such situations, and they haven't set a specific fine amount yet.... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
You're right to be frustrated—being threatened with a fine for something you didn’t do feels unfair, especially when no clear policy supports it. Universities can set conduct rules and consequences through housing agreements, but they’re generally expected to follow what’s written in... View More
Can I pursue legal action against a public university for failing to coordinate accommodations under ADA/504, which led to 1.5 years of lost academic progress and potential dismissal?
I’m a PhD student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), registered with the university's Student... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action if the university has failed to provide the necessary accommodations as outlined under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Since you have documented your requests and the lack of appropriate support, it could be argued that the university did not... View More
I am facing a court case because I was found holding edibles on school grounds, and a friend took some after I told him not to. The school has not communicated with me about the incident, and I've been waiting for any updates since February. I have legal representation. What should I expect in... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
In your situation, you should expect the legal process to unfold over time. Since you have legal representation, they will be your primary point of contact for updates on the case. It’s common for court cases to take some time, so it might feel like you're waiting, but your lawyer can help... View More
My father and I are planning to file for a power of attorney for my minor brother, as he will be changing residency to live with me for educational and health reasons. We have not consulted with any legal professionals yet. Do we need multiple original copies of the power of attorney, or can I make... View More

answered on Feb 27, 2025
A minor cannot execute a power of attorney. You may have to apply for guardianship in order to give yourself the authority you need to take care of him.
Related behaviors which they said were ongoing issues. Despite being in constant contact with his coach I was never once informed of any of these issues until the day he was dismissed from the team. I then tried explaining his situation and was immediately informed regardless they would be... View More

answered on Jan 5, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about what you're experiencing with your son's football team. It’s important to address this situation thoughtfully to ensure his rights are protected.
First, request a formal meeting with the athletic director and the school’s disability coordinator.... View More

answered on Aug 31, 2024
In Ohio, if you have a learner's permit, you can drive to school and work, but you must follow specific restrictions. You need to be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old, seated in the front passenger seat, at all times while driving. This applies to all driving... View More
Memory , sensory, brain damage (epilepsy). Mentally retarded,hearing loss,barely can read depression adhd emotionally neglected, forced to go gf stabbed him,, he only. Knew to take a tv not arson or anyone was there. On video but not used. And a lawyer I’ve called dozens of times and yet he is... View More

answered on Jun 10, 2024
It sounds like your son is in a very difficult situation, and it's understandable that you are concerned about how his case has been handled. First, you should contact another attorney immediately to discuss your concerns about his current legal representation. This new attorney can review the... View More
My son is an 11 year old 5th grade. He made verbal threats about harming/killing 6 students in his class to his guidance counselor. He has been suspended for 10 days with the recommendation for expulsion. I have no idea how to prepare for the hearing. I don't even know what questions to ask a... View More

answered on Apr 3, 2024
What you should truly do is seek out an attorney who has both some criminal defense experience, and education law experience. Your question doesn't state whether or not this student has a 504 plan or an IEP. If either of the is the case, then you need to make sure that the school is conducted... View More
I am living in university housing at a private institution in Ohio, where we received this notice: "The [university's] lock shop will be performing preventative maintenance on the apartment entry door hardware between 3/25/24 and 4/19/24. The tech will knock and let anyone home know he... View More

answered on Mar 21, 2024
There is nothing in the Ohio landlord tenant statute that speaks specifically to this. There may be case law that defines exactly what reasonable notice is but typically that would focus on the definition of "emergency". What you have described seems like a good faith effort on the part... View More
I was charged an rta fee on my tuition and its not that much but still can not afford it.i know I waived the fee but they are saying I didnt and refuae to take it off my bill.

answered on Feb 23, 2024
It's concerning that the college is refusing to remove the RTA fee from your bill, especially if you have proof that you waived it. Colleges typically have processes in place for students to waive certain fees if they meet specific criteria. If you followed the necessary steps to waive the fee... View More
I have a therapist and after going for a few months I told her I wanted to move out at 18 to live with my grandma. I'm looking for a new job and have my own means of transportation, I plan to help with bills, and my grades are good. but I won't graduate for another 4 months and my mother... View More

answered on Jan 16, 2024
Yes, but while you are still in High school and living at home, your parents are responsible for your reasonable care, accommodation, and feeding. If you move out, you will relieve them of those responsibilities and they won't have to take you back if it turns out you can't cut it on your... View More
Say a teacher were to join the national guard... Public employees are given additional benefits when serving in the national guard. Does a teacher receive these benefits based on Ohio law?

answered on Dec 31, 2023
Under Ohio law, public school teachers are indeed considered public employees. This classification is significant when it comes to eligibility for certain benefits, including those related to military leave.
If a teacher joins the National Guard, they are entitled to the same benefits as... View More
They have apparently filed to take my chance of owning land in my county, and have recently tried to take my wages and have them garnished. I'm a disabled individual since 2011. I haven't received any mail from them since they kicked me from their school. I only know about these things... View More

answered on Jan 3, 2024
An Ohio attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Find out what the suits are for, either on your own or through an attorney. Consider consulting with an attorney to learn if you have viable defenses that might be cost effective to pursue in terms of the initial... View More
They both want to be in school in person, but she will not allow it due to unreasonable fears and mental health issues. What are their rights? Can the school district intervene?

answered on Nov 17, 2023
It is unlikely that the school district can intervene as long as the parent has properly filed to homeschool the children and is complying with the OAC regulations concerning testing and reporting. Are either child on an IEP? is there evidence either is failing to receive a Free and Appropriate... View More
Child has a full 4 year athletic scholarship at a Power 5 University. They want child to come in January to train. Start classes there. She could graduate end of junior year but wants to play her sport her senior fall. She can get more credits her senior year and has more than enough to graduate... View More

answered on Nov 15, 2023
I recommend you contact in order the school principal, the superintendent then the State Department of Education for your answers. The DOE may have your best answers
til he admitted doing it to a teacher but its in writing but is not directed towards anybody

answered on Aug 30, 2023
There is little you can do about this now, unless there is something in the IEP or a PBIP that states they should immediately call you. You can advise the school in writing that your child is not to be questioned as to alleged violations of the code of conduct without your presence (Which will... View More

answered on Aug 29, 2023
In Ohio, a 17-year-old may withdraw from school with their parents' permission to pursue alternative educational options, including taking the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), without the requirement of full-time employment. Ohio law allows for students to pursue educational alternatives... View More
I have an 18 year old grand daughter who left her home willingly because of abuse. She is currently living with an aunt and uncle. And they are having a problem enrolling her into their school district.

answered on Aug 10, 2023
If the student has not graduated from high school then they are still technically in the custody of a parent for school purposes and that must be transferred to the aunt and uncle.
My daughter was bullied into confessing to something she didn’t do and the cop tried to bully me into thinking she had no right to ask for me or any other help. He told me I was wrong to tell her that she didn’t have to say anything until I showed up.

answered on Feb 10, 2023
1. You absolutely did the right thing telling her not to say anything until you were present
BECAUSE
2. They do have the right to question your daughter without informing you in advance and without you present
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.