The Battle Over Section 504
A Case Worth Watching
I recently came across a lawsuit, Texas v. Becerra. I’m still learning more about it, but it raises serious concerns. A coalition of states, led by Texas, has filed a case challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which has protected individuals with disabilities from discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public services for over fifty years.
I’ll be honest—I never imagined I’d see a legal challenge that could put such fundamental protections at risk. The lawsuit appears to have started over recent updates that extend protections to individuals with gender dysphoria, but from what I’m reading, it goes far beyond that. If successful, this case could weaken or even dismantle a law that ensures accessibility, accommodations, and equity for millions of Americans.
504 Plans in K-12: More Than Just a School Issue
When most people hear "504 Plan," they probably think of the accommodations provided to K-12 students with disabilities—extra time on tests, assistive technology, preferential seating, or even modified assignments. These individualized plans ensure that students who don’t qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Program/Plan) under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) still receive the necessary support to access education on an equal footing with their peers.
But here’s the thing—Section 504 protections don’t end at high school graduation. They extend into college, the workplace, public services, and nearly every aspect of daily life. Universities must ensure accessibility for students with disabilities, workplaces must provide reasonable accommodations for employees, and public spaces—including hospitals, government buildings, and transportation systems—must remove barriers that prevent equal participation.
If this lawsuit succeeds, it could mean:
Schools will no longer be required to provide accommodations for students with disabilities. (Oh, little Timmy needs extra time on his math test? Too bad, Timmy. Work faster.)
Employers are free to deny reasonable accommodations. (Sorry, Karen, we’d love to hire you, but providing a screen reader for you would really mess with our aesthetic.)
Public spaces and services are becoming even more inaccessible than they already are. (I hope you enjoy stairs because ramps are just a "suggestion" now.)
Why This is a Big, Big Problem
The fact that this lawsuit is even happening is mind-boggling. Section 504 has been around since 1973. It has been a cornerstone of disability rights in America, ensuring that people aren’t locked out of education, employment, or public life simply because they need accommodations. And let’s be honest: no one is getting too much accessibility. No one is strolling around saying, “Wow, public spaces are just way too accommodating for people with disabilities these days.”
This isn’t just an education issue—it’s a human rights issue. And if states succeed in dismantling Section 504, the fallout won’t just be felt by students in K-12. It will ripple into workplaces, universities, public institutions, and beyond.
What Can We Do About It?
Well, for starters, we can raise awareness—this lawsuit is flying under the radar, and that’s precisely how bad policy gets through. We can also push back against state leaders who are supporting this nonsense. And, of course, we can remind people that basic accessibility is not a luxury—it’s a human right.
So, to the states behind this lawsuit: maybe instead of fighting against wheelchair ramps, accessible classrooms, and inclusive workplaces, you could focus on something that improves people’s lives. I don’t know, maybe fix some potholes? Fund schools properly? At the very least, could you stop picking fights with people who already have enough to deal with?
If history has shown us anything, it’s that when people with disabilities fight for their rights, they don’t back down. And if you think a lawsuit will erase decades of progress, good luck with that.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make sure the "No More Accessibility" protest isn’t actually a thing. But in this timeline, who even knows anymore?