Disabilities

Historical Timeline--Influential Landmark Cases Specific to 21st Century Special Education

By Chelsea Nelson

  • Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia (1972)

    Mills v. Board of Education of District of Columbia (1972)
    Seven plaintiffs filed a complaint against the Board of Education of the District of Columbia (DOC) for denying children educational services as a result of their disabilities. The DOC argued while it did have a right to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities, the district did not have the financial backing to educate these students in the manner in which they needed to be. http://usedulaw.com/438-mills-v-board-of-education-of-the-district-of-columbia.html

  • Honig v. Doe, 484 U.S. 305 (1988)

    Honig v. Doe, 484 U.S. 305 (1988)
    John Doe and Jack Smith filed a complaint against Bill Honig, state superintendent of public instruction, for violating the students’ rights as guaranteed by EAHCA. Doe argued that suspension until the expulsion process finished violated the "stay-put" provision of the EAHCA. Honig argued that the students’ behaviors were violent and disruptive and that both students be removed from their educational placements until expulsion proceedings took place. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Honig-v-Doe

  • Timothy W., Etc., Plaintiff, Appellant, v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District, Defendant, Appellee, 875 F.2d 954 (1st Cir. 1989)

    Timothy W., Etc., Plaintiff, Appellant, v. Rochester, New Hampshire, School District, Defendant, Appellee, 875 F.2d 954 (1st Cir. 1989)
    Timothy W., a severely retarded and multiple handicapped child was not eligible for special education based on EAHCA's standard he could not benefit from education. However, Timothy W. appealed an order of the district court that ruled this. Timothy’s mother believed that it is because of his disabilities that Timothy is entitled to special education. http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/875/954/179023/