South Carolina is one of the states suing to end protection for people with disabilities. This is a serious threat to disability rights: ongoing legal challenges that could weaken Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a crucial civil rights law that protects disabled people from discrimination.
What’s Happening?
The case Texas v. Becerra, led by 17 states—Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia—challenges the federal government’s ability to enforce Section 504, particularly in healthcare settings.
If these states succeed, the federal government could lose its ability to hold hospitals, schools, and other federally funded programs accountable for discrimination against disabled people. This could result in the loss of critical healthcare, education, and employment protections—putting lives at risk.
- Equal Access to Education – Students with disabilities in public schools, colleges, and universities are entitled to accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, modified assignments, accessible facilities) to ensure they receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Workplace Protections – Employees in federally funded workplaces cannot be discriminated against due to a disability and may receive reasonable accommodations to perform their jobs.
- Access to Public Services – Government-funded entities like hospitals, public transportation, and social service agencies must make accommodations to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Fair Treatment in Healthcare and Housing – Federally funded healthcare facilities and housing programs must provide reasonable accommodations and cannot deny services based on disability.
Section 504 is the foundation of modern disability rights protections. It paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensures that disabled people have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and public services. If weakened, this case could:
- Limit disabled people’s access to healthcare by allowing providers to discriminate without consequence.
- Set a dangerous legal precedent that could weaken other civil rights protections.
- Harm children in schools, workers, and seniors, making it harder for them to receive reasonable accommodations.
What Can You Do?
- Stay Informed and spread Awareness. Visit DREDF's resource page to learn more about the case, and share this information with your community.
- Contact Your Representatives – Demand they publicly oppose any efforts to weaken disability protections. If you live in one of the 17 states involved, let your leaders know you do not support this attack on disability rights.
- Support Disability Advocacy Groups – Donate or volunteer with organizations fighting to protect disability rights.
- Engage on Social Media – Use the hashtag #Save504 to spread awareness and push for action.
The 504 Sit-In was the longest in American history. Disabled people fought hard for Section 504 protections, and we must fight just as hard to defend them. Please take action today to ensure that disability rights remain strong and protected.
