Student Rights and School Policies

One of the key topics within education law representation is student rights. This includes issues such as freedom of speech, due process, and privacy rights for students in educational settings. CEI Law works with students who believe their rights have been violated by their schools or districts, and we help them pursue legal recourse. Schools can prioritize the rights and responsibilities entitled to students by making necessary adjustments whether as an example that includes allowing a member of a Native American tribe wear a tribal feather on the cap or gown at graduation. Students and parents must follow certain school policies such as dress codes, and rules on mobile phone usage. Consult CEI Law with questions regarding student rights.

Legal protections for students include the First Amendment which protects students' rights to free speech, allowing them to express opinions on public matters without fear of retribution, within the limits of maintaining a safe and orderly environment. Students' freedom of speech can be limited, if their speech is obscene, slanderous, libelous, entails unlawful acts, or disrupts school functions. Schools can also place restrictions on the time, place, and manner of speech to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. In the case of bullying, which can take various forms, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying, schools are required to intervene immediately and provide some type of recourse. Contact CEI Law for a consultation.

Special Education Services

Special education services are another area of focus for education law representation. Law firms may work with parents of children with disabilities to ensure that they receive appropriate accommodations and services in accordance with federal laws. This could involve advocating for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), attending school meetings on behalf of parents, and representing families in disputes with school districts over special education services. Understanding the unique needs of children with disabilities and advocating for their rights is crucial in this area of education law representation. Contact CEI Law for a consultation.

The IEP must contain three distinct elements including a statement of the special education; what related services will be provided; and any supplementary services to be provided to the student. There are short-term objectives set and the parent should ensure their understanding and acceptace of the IEP. The Department of Education website contains a very informational guide on IEPs so check that guide out to get a full understanding of the requirements of the IEP. Contact CEI Law for a consultation regarding an issue with obtaining appropriate special education services.

Discrimination in Education

This practice advocates for students who have been subject to discrimination or harassment based on their race, gender, or disability. Racial bias and discrimination is counterproductive and a deterent for the advancement of civilizations. Students who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the school. They may also file a complaint with the United States Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint with the school is separate from filing an actual lawsuit in a court of law. There are time constraints on filing a lawsuit for education discrimination against either a New York public school district or a non-public school (for example, private schools; colleges/ universities). For a public school, a claim or lawsuit must be filed within 3 months after the discriminatory event. With such little time, it is very important to consult with an attorney immediately after the event. Contact CEI Law if you think that you have an education discrimination case.

Racism can be explicit but is often implicit, subtle forms of systemic and structural racism. According to the United Nations, there is still systemic segregation in schools in the United States. In New York, a plaintiff in an education discrimination action can recover compensatory and punitive damages plus emotional distress damages along with attorneys' fees. Regardless of whether the discrimination involves a public or private school, be sure to send the school notice not to destroy any discriminatory evidence. Such a notice is known as a "spoliation letter." CEI Law can draft spoliation notices and pursue a claim or lawsuit, if deemed feasible. Contact CEI Law for a consultation.

Services Offered By Us

This is a consumer, education, and immigration law focused practice. Consumer law covers legal issues, such as product liability, unfair debt collection practices, credit repair, and consumer privacy. Education law representation involves providing legal guidance and representation for matters related to education systems including student rights, school policies, special education services, and discrimination cases. Immigration law representation consist of assisting clients with visa applications. Contact CEI Law for your legal matters.

Consumer Law

CEI Law handles product liability; debt collection matters; foreclousure defense, and credit repair solutions. Your legal matter is handled with your best interest in mind. Learn more about the types of consumer matters we handle.

Education Law

Student and parental rights are pertinent to the success of any educational system. Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, or disability results in a dysfunctional society. This practice is about protecting basic fundamental educational rights.

Immigration Law

Your immigration matter may involve the submission of legal briefs. We are very good at writing legal briefs. We handle visa applications. Contact us to discuss your legal immigration matter.