AJE is proud to share this press release from our partners at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee and Ropes & Gray announcing the filing of a suit in federal court on behalf of Nykia Braxton, a DC parent who was wrongly denied access to her children’s public charter school, E.W. Stokes.  Stokes barred Ms. Braxton from the school for the next five years without legal cause in retaliation for her advocacy on behalf of her children.  As a result she was unable to support her children’s education, and was unable participate in school events, including kindergarten graduation.

AJE simultaneously filed a due process complaint against Stokes PCS for their failure to identify and evaluate Ms. Braxton’s child for special education and related services in violation of the child’s federally protected rights. AJE’s Director of Programs and Outreach, Maria Blaeuer, says, “Families know, and the law agrees, that parental participation is a vital part of the educational experience of children. This is especially true for families of students with disabilities or special health care needs. AJE is glad that Ropes & Gray and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee are fighting to make sure that every DC parent can meaningfully participate in their child’s education without fear of retaliation, no matter where they go to school.”

To see the video of Stokes PCS staff pushing Ms. Braxton’s little girl, click here. 

To read the Complaint, click here.

To read the Barring Notice, click here.