The city forced parents of special education students to sign a petition stripping them of their right to sue for critical resources for their children, a move critics called “heartless” and “blackmail.” He accused him of doing so.
In August, it was discovered that approximately 3,000 families of private and home-schooled children in need of special education services were being denied resources because their applications were not received by newly implemented deadlines. .
In response to widespread outrage, the city's Department of Education announced it will help families resume their Individualized Educational Services Programs (IESPs), which provide services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy outside of public schools. did.
But officials said on a Thursday call that waiving the right to sue, request a fair hearing and seek reimbursement is now a “prerequisite to service.”
“Without a waiver, NYCPS could be held liable for hundreds of millions of dollars through litigation,” they explained.
“This decision was taken based on the change in the deadline for filing documents. [New York City Public Schools] Staten Island Congressman Sam Pirozzolo said in a statement, “Families were not properly notified or enforced for several years.” statement.
“I believe this is intimidation and coercion, a violation of rights and an insult to intelligence,” he added.
Rep. Mike Riley (R-Staten Island) called the move “callous and despicable” and said the city is “hiding behind lawyers and gaslighting families.”
Rita Joseph, a city council member and school board chair, said the city “seems like they're going to prioritize bureaucracy.” Request to Mayor Adams and the Department of Energy To ensure that legally required services are provided.
Officials plan to post FAQs online to help parents understand the exemptions. Chalkbeat reported.
