Historic Ruling Exposes Persistent Inequities in Education System: A Call for Change

RIVERSIDE, CA — On June 28, 2024, Federal Court Judge Jesus Bernal issued a landmark permanent injunction in the case of C.B. v. Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) et al., mandating comprehensive reforms within the district. The ruling comes after a long-fought battle initiated by Plaintiff C.B., a Black child with disabilities who, at just ten years old, was repeatedly tackled, handcuffed, and referred to law enforcement for exhibiting disability-related behaviors at school.

This injunction is not just a victory for C.B.; it represents a crucial step in addressing systemic discrimination that has persisted for decades. Despite the strides made since the Civil Rights Movement and the efforts of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., it is alarming that in 2024, we are still grappling with such profound inequities in our educational institutions. The court’s decision highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and reform to protect the rights of disabled students, particularly those who are also Black and Brown.

Judge Bernal’s decision follows the October 13, 2023, order, which found that MVUSD maintained a discriminatory security program that disproportionately affected disabled and Black disabled students. The statistics are stark: during the 2019-20 school year, Black disabled students were 3.63 times more likely to be referred to law enforcement than their non-disabled peers. This is not just a statistic; it is a glaring reflection of the systemic biases that have been allowed to fester within our schools.

The court’s ruling mandates that MVUSD reduce its reliance on police and security officers to manage students with disabilities. Instead, the district is required to implement significant policy changes, provide comprehensive staff training, and establish mechanisms for community input. A court-appointed independent monitor, Dr. Jaime Hernandez, will oversee these reforms over the next four years.

“Schools should be places of learning and growth, not policing,” said Malhar Shah, counsel for C.B. and attorney for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. “This order recognizes the harm caused by the presence of law enforcement at schools and holds school districts accountable for inappropriately using school police to restrain and remove students from the learning environment.”

Meeth Soni, another attorney for C.B. from Disability Rights California, emphasized the importance of this ruling: “The federal court took a significant step toward reducing the reliance on school police for managing disability-related behaviors that more appropriately call for services and support. By ensuring policy reform and training, the order is leading the way in creating a safer, more equitable environment for all students, especially those with disabilities.”

Anna Rivera, counsel for C.B. from Barajas & Rivera APC, added, “The law protects students with disabilities from discrimination and mandates they receive fair treatment and the support they need to thrive academically and socially. The Court’s order is a crucial move towards equity and inclusion within our school systems.”

Dan Stormer, also representing C.B. from Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai LLP, underscored the broader implications of the ruling: “There is no place in our society for the violent and racist behavior that forced us to bring this lawsuit. We believe that this will put other school districts on notice that courts will not condone such race-based mistreatment of persons with disabilities.”

This ruling serves as a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go to achieve true equality and justice in our education system. It calls upon all of us—educators, policymakers, and community members—to redouble our efforts in fighting discrimination and ensuring that every child, regardless of their race or disability, has the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

Plaintiff C.B. is represented by Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Hadsell, Stormer, Renick, & Dai, LLP, and Barajas & Rivera, APC. The fight for justice and equality continues, and this ruling marks a significant milestone in that ongoing struggle.