A Civil Rights Investigation into Virtual Charter Schools in Ohio

Recently the US Department of Education released its findings related to the Civil Rights Investigation of Virtual Charter Schools in Ohio.  Stemming from an Office of Civil Rights complaint filed in 2011, the Resolution confirms that students with disabilities enrolled in Virtual Schools are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

“Online education environments such as this in which students reside across the state and go to school together in a totally on-line environment, may present unique challenges. Nevertheless, these online schools must comply with the civil rights laws,” said Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

To read more about the important decision, follow this link.

A copy of the resolution letter can be found here: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/virtual-community-ohio-letter.doc

A copy of the agreement can be found here: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/virtual-community-ohio-agreement.doc