Davis Stands Up For Equal Rights In Education April 30, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to some proposed plans in the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act- HR 1350, otherwise known as IDEA.

"The proposed changes being made to IDEA have some valid attributes that will make this legislation stronger and some that will be harmful to the growth and development of our challenged students. My hopes are that we can craft changes that will benefit the children, families, and the school districts."

First, there is a one year statue of limitations on complaints for due process as proposed in the bill. The one year statue will prevent complaints from previous school years from reoccurring. Secondly, this bill will weaken the protections that parents and children are granted under its current form. Law requires that Individual Education Plans (IEP) are done every year. This bill would make it so IEP's are done every three years. Finally, the bill allows students to be moved indefinitely to an alternative placement for any violation of schools code of conduct. This would permanently remove a child without the proper assessment of their actions and disability.

"If we intend on reforming this landmark piece of legislation we must not strip these children of the needed education they need to function in life. It is our duty and civic responsibility to make sure these students receive all the opportunities that are available."