Pelosi Statement on Amicus Brief in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District

November 21, 2016

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after joining an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 case, urging the Supreme Court to reverse an appellate court's determination that requirements of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) can be satisfied by providing educational benefits that are simply more than minimal, rather than requiring school districts to provide meaningful benefits that focus on outcomes – the standard that accords with Congressional intent and is used by other circuit courts. The brief was signed by 118 Members and Senators.

"Every child has a right to an education. That's why, in 1975, Congress first enacted the federal law now known as the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to ensure that children with disabilities should not be denied the educational services they need and deserve. For more than 40 years, IDEA has been a crucial part of our efforts to move toward a just and equitable society.

"Congress intended this critical legislation to provide an education that meaningfully benefits students with disabilities, empowering them to lead independent lives as fully contributing members of their communities. Congress did not intend for those benefits to be illusory; they must be meaningful to the quality of education provided and results attained by the students.

"As stated in the amicus brief, Congressional intent for IDEA could not be clearer: 'Congress's clear purpose: to ensure that students with disabilities receive the educational benefits they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, full participation, and equal opportunities in adulthood.' Securing meaningful benefits, as required by IDEA, makes America stronger for all."