To the editor:

Recently, Kansas joined 16 other states in filing a lawsuit, Texas v. Becerra, to declare Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act unconstitutional. This law guarantees, among other rights, that disabled students are treated fairly.

The lawsuit, as well as the proposed dismantling of the entire federal Department of Education, strikes at the heart of opportunity for disabled people, since the DOE also administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.

Born with a disability, spina bifida, I understand the importance of educational accommodations and support to facilitate success. I graduated college with funding from the state Vocational Rehabilitation program, which is administered by the DOE. Due to this benefit and despite significant barriers to employment that disabled people experience, I earned advanced degrees, have been employed throughout my lifetime, earned a living and paid taxes. My education has been an investment in both my earning capacity and my ability to contribute my skills to the community. This is just one example of how civil rights laws benefit both individuals and society.

I shudder to think of disabled children, currently served by public school departments, including USD 497, not receiving the education they need and deserve if 504 is rolled back and if the DOE is abolished.

Education has been key to my good life. I am disgusted that the U.S. is becoming a nation that devalues education, that may refuse to invest in educating all students, and particularly, that Kansas is supporting this debacle.

Dot Nary,

Lawrence