The U.S. Constitution guarantees every citizen of American civil rights of personal liberty regardless of the age of the citizen. A lawsuit alleging civil rights violations was recently filed on behalf of a child in another state. It might interest New York residents to see how even children can experience discrimination by adults. The defendants in this lawsuit include the county’s Board of Education and its superintendent along with the liaison for homeless children of the school district.
According to the complaint, a minor who had moved between different homes and schools for some years is now in the care of a couple who have been awarded power of attorney by the parents of the boy. The couple enrolled him in a middle school where coaches and teachers were reportedly supporting and welcoming of his educational requirements and needs. However, his status according to school records indicated him as homeless.
The lawsuit alleges that, although the boy made the basketball team, the defendants refused his inclusion on the team. They apparently told the caregivers only those children whose parents were residents of the school district may participate in school sports as a member of a team. Further allegations show that the defendants said there were no exceptions for homeless children.
The caregivers seek an injunction to order the school to reinstate the boy to the basketball team and allow him to participate as a full member. Parents in New York who have experienced any civil rights violations may find comfort knowing that skilled attorneys are available to provide support and guidance throughout such lawsuits that are typically complicated to navigate. An experienced attorney can litigate constitutional matters, including those that involve federal or state governments, school districts and more.
Source: courthousenews.com, “School Accused of Barring Homeless Kids From Sports“, Kevin Koeninger, Jan. 4, 2017
