By Summer Bixler

In September of 1973, President Nixon signed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This act said that people with disabilities of any kind should not be subject to discrimination, and cannot be denied any benefits. This act, known popularly as Section 504, became extremely important in schools, offering kids with disabilities accommodations to help them get the education they need.

In 2025, 17 states have joined a lawsuit asking the court to declare that Section 504 is unconstitutional.
When 504 plans were introduced to schools in the 1970s, their purpose was to accommodate any student with a disability, regardless of if it was physical or mental. These plans can range from allowing students to take extra time on their tests to using the elevator while an injury is healing.

In May of 2024, the Biden administration expanded Section 504 to include gender dysphoria. In September of 2024, Texas sued the Biden administration, saying that this action was “abusing executive action.”

This suit expanded over 30 pages objecting against the Biden expansion to Section 504. Later in to the suit, it states that Section 504 should be eliminated entirely. States such as Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have joined the lawsuit.

When asked about the potential loss of 504 plans, Bellbrook High School junior, Karsyn Phillips had a lot to say. “All of my special accommodations would be taken away for something I can’t help,” Philips said.

Bellbrook High School senior, Katie Griffin, was also upset about the potential changes. “I’ve had it most of my life, so I would be so mad and annoyed. I definitely think they should not take them away,” Griffin said.

As of today, the lawsuit is still active, but currently paused, with the next status update due April 21, 2025.