U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Opens Disability-Discrimination Investigation into Texas School District

Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation into the New Home Independent School District (the District) in New Home, Texas based on reports that the District discontinued the special education Elementary Life Skills classroom for the 2026-2027 school year and failed to reevaluate students or provide notice prior to placing students in a classroom approximately 30 miles away. OCR will determine whether the District violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating on the basis of disability.

The District allegedly voted to close their Elementary Life Skills classroom, a special education program. If implemented, this decision would require students who rely on that program to be bused approximately 30 miles to another classroom beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Parents of young children who need tailored education plans have said it took their kids a long time to adjust to their current learning environment and expressed serious concern that this change would set them back.

"Every child with a disability is entitled to special education and related aids and services that are specifically designed to meet their individual needs, and no parent should be left wondering how or whether a school will deliver on that promise," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. "The allegations described here - cutting an essential special education program and busing young children with disabilities miles from home without any individualized determination, disrupting learning, and denying students equal access to educational programs - are serious and concerning. OCR will fight to ensure every child with a disability receives the education and support the law promises and they rightfully deserve."

Background

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) prohibit recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of disability.