Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has once again thrust the state into a national legal battle, this time targeting protections for students with disabilities. His decision to join a multi-state lawsuit could have severe consequences for families relying on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a long-standing federal law ensuring that schools accommodate children with disabilities.
This move has sparked outrage among parents and advocacy groups, who fear that thousands of vulnerable students could lose essential educational support. Critics argue that Marshall’s participation in the lawsuit is politically motivated rather than driven by genuine concern for Alabama’s students.
What Is Section 504?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (source) prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs that receive federal funding, including public schools. Under this law, students with disabilities can receive 504 plans, which provide accommodations such as extended test time, assistive technology, or modified classroom settings.
For decades, parents have relied on these protections to ensure that their children receive the education they deserve. The U.S. Department of Education (source) oversees compliance with Section 504, ensuring that schools follow federal guidelines.
However, Marshall and 16 other state attorneys general are challenging these protections, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could dismantle crucial support systems for students with disabilities nationwide.
Why Is Steve Marshall Suing?
Marshall joined the lawsuit, originally filed by Texas, in response to a new rule from the Biden Administration that seeks to expand Section 504 protections. The new guidelines would include gender dysphoria as a recognized condition under the law, requiring schools to provide accommodations for transgender students.
While the lawsuit claims to target this specific expansion, it takes a much broader stance, arguing that Section 504 itself is unconstitutional. The lawsuit states that the federal government lacks the authority to require schools to accommodate students with disabilities.
This legal argument has alarmed disability rights advocates, who see it as a direct attack on decades of progress in inclusive education.
Impact on Alabama Families
If the lawsuit succeeds, students with disabilities in Alabama and across the country could lose vital protections. Parents who have fought for years to secure accommodations for their children fear they may have to start from scratch—or worse, that their children will be left without support.
The lawsuit has sparked widespread concern in online forums and parent advocacy groups. Many parents are questioning why Marshall would take such an aggressive stance against a law that has helped so many families.
“This is not about politics—this is about real children who need real help,” said Sarah Thompson, an Alabama mother whose son relies on a 504 plan for his dyslexia. “Without his accommodations, he would fall behind. I don’t understand why our attorney general is fighting against kids like mine.”
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (source) has also voiced opposition, stating that the lawsuit could “set back disability rights by decades” and place an unnecessary burden on families who already struggle to navigate the education system.
A Pattern of Controversial Lawsuits
This isn’t the first time Marshall has committed Alabama’s legal resources to politically charged lawsuits. In recent years, he has sued the Biden Administration on various issues, including climate regulations, immigration policies, and transgender rights in sports.
His participation in multi-state lawsuits is often seen as aligning with national conservative legal strategies rather than focusing on issues directly affecting Alabama residents.
However, unlike his previous lawsuits, this case could have tangible consequences for Alabama students and families. If Section 504 is struck down, the state would need to create its own legal framework for accommodating students with disabilities—something that could take years and leave thousands of students in limbo.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and legal experts predict a long and complex court battle. If the U.S. Supreme Court eventually takes up the case, the ruling could reshape disability rights in education for years to come.
Meanwhile, disability advocates are urging Alabama families to contact their representatives (source) and demand that they protect Section 504. Many are also pushing for state-level legislation to ensure that students with disabilities continue to receive the accommodations they need.
For now, parents, educators, and students can only watch and wait as their legal protections hang in the balance.
Conclusion
Steve Marshall’s decision to challenge Section 504 has placed Alabama at the center of a legal battle that could have life-altering consequences for students with disabilities. While his office argues that the lawsuit is about limiting federal overreach, the broader implications suggest a direct attack on the rights of disabled students.
As the case moves through the courts, Alabama families will be left wondering whether their children’s futures will be dictated by politics rather than their needs.
(Source : al.com)
