Advocacy Alert

Advocacy Alert
📢 What Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Need to Know About the New Executive Order on School Discipline  Issued April 23, 2025


🧾 What Changed?
A new federal executive order removes support for school discipline policies that consider equity or racial disparities, and encourages schools to focus on behavior alone, regardless of background or disability.
While this does not change special education laws, it may make it harder for students with Down syndrome to receive fair, individualized discipline and appropriate supports in school.


👦 How This May Affect Your Child
❗ 1. Less Consideration for Disability-Related Behavior
Children with Down syndrome may struggle with things like impulse control, sensory issues, and emotional regulation. Schools may now respond with punishment instead of support.
❗ 2. More Suspensions & Exclusions
This change may lead to more students being suspended or removed from classrooms — even when their behavior is related to their disability.
❗ 3. Risk to IEP and 504 Protections
Though the law still requires schools to support students with disabilities, some schools may stop following positive behavior supports written into a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.


✅ How Parents Can Protect Their Child
✔️ Know Your Rights

• Your child is protected under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA.
• Schools must consider whether behavior is related to a disability before applying major discipline.

✔️ Review & Strengthen Your IEP or 504 Plan

• Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).
• Ensure your child’s plan includes a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Ask for a team meeting to update strategies and supports.

✔️ Advocate & Document Everything

• If your child is disciplined, ask for a Manifestation Determination Review.
• Keep copies of communications and detailed notes from meetings or incidents.

✔️ Reach Out for Support

• Contact Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska for help navigating school challenges.
• Join a parent support group or network with other families.

📣 Final Thoughts
This order may cause schools to use stricter discipline policies that ignore the needs of students with Down syndrome.
Your advocacy is key to protecting your child’s rights. We're here to support you every step of the way.


🧩 Need Help or Have Questions?
Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska (DSAA NE)
🌐 www.dsaane.org
📞 (402) 413-0199
📧 [email protected]
 
Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska
Empowering Families. Supporting Inclusion. Advocating for Change.