In this episode of the Courage is Courageous podcast, host Carla Pursnani and Senior Civil Rights attorney Jessica Plitt talk about the critical role of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in education, particularly for students with disabilities. They highlight the impact of recent cuts to the OCR, which have severely limited its ability to address discrimination and provide necessary oversight. Jessica shares her experiences and the ramifications of the OCR cuts. Carla emphasizes the importance of advocacy, community support, and proactive measures that families and educators can take to ensure that all students receive the education and accommodations they need. 

Please donate to help our cause: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcastKey Takeaways

• ​Education is essential for all children, especially those with disabilities.
• ​The Office for Civil Rights plays a crucial role inprotecting students' rights.
• ​Cuts to the OCR can lead to increased discrimination inschools.
• ​Real-life examples illustrate the consequences of inadequate support for students.
• ​Families must take proactive steps to advocate for theirchildren.
• ​Respectful communication between parents and educators isvital.
• ​Community resources can provide additional support forfamilies.
• ​Training and advocacy are key to navigating educational challenges.
• ​Students have rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Act.
• ​Collaboration among families, educators, and civil rights organizations is necessary for effective advocacy.

Learn more through these links:

Jessica Plitt (26) Jessica Plitt LinkedIn

Disability Rights California: Disability Rights California, https://www.disabilityrightsca.org

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates: Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc.,https://www.copaa.org

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Individualswith Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | U.S. Department of Education

Center for Parent Information and Resources: IDEA—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Center for Parent Information and Resources

NPR Article - Civil Rights Violation of a 12 year old: Parentssay federal cuts have slowed civil rights investigations : NPR

Civil Rights Violation of 3 year old-FOX news: Boywith autism 'wasn't doing anything wrong' when school employee knocked him down: Mom | Fox News

Death of Nex Benedict - HRC Honoring Nex Benedict, a 16-Year-Old Non-Binary Oklahoma High…, and

What are the most common civil rights violations in education? | USAFacts

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula - ⁠Indivisible Mid-Peninsula⁠

Indivisible National - ⁠Homepage Indivisible⁠

The show is produced by Carla Pursnani

Production team includes Sarah Sherwood and Vic Passion Bouhalkoum

Art by Melissa Lawson

Music by Nick Pursnani.