Supreme Court Decision on ADA and Rehabilitation Act Standards

This legal update article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous decision in A. J. T. v. Osseo Area Schools, which addresses the standards applicable to discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in educational settings. The Court determined that these claims should be subject to the same standards as those in other contexts, rejecting the higher standard of 'bad faith or gross misjudgment' previously applied by some courts. The article outlines the background of the case, including the circumstances of the plaintiff, A.J.T., a student with a disability, and the legal proceedings that led to the Supreme Court's ruling. It emphasizes the implications of the decision for educational institutions, which may need to revise their accommodation policies and risk assessments in light of the ruling. The article concludes by noting that further litigation may arise regarding the specific standards that should apply under these laws.