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Supreme Court Justice Gorsuch’s Heated Exchange Over Disability Discrimination Case
During oral arguments on Monday, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch engaged in a rare and vigorous exchange with attorney Lisa Blatt, representing the Osseo Area Schools in a pivotal case regarding disability discrimination in public education. This incident marked a significant moment in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The case, A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, addresses the accountability of school districts for alleged discriminatory actions against students with disabilities. The plaintiffs are the parents of a girl suffering from severe epilepsy who contend that their daughter was denied necessary accommodations, such as at-home schooling during the morning hours—services readily available in other districts across Minnesota.
During the arguments, Justice Gorsuch admonished Blatt after she claimed that the plaintiffs were “lying” about the public school’s position. He cautioned her about the weight of such accusations, emphasizing the importance of responsible language in a Supreme Court setting. “Counsel should be more careful with their words,” Gorsuch remarked, highlighting the gravity of the statements made during the proceedings.
In response, Blatt defended her position, suggesting that the opposing counsel had mischaracterized the school’s stance. “Okay well, they should be more careful in mischaracterizing a position by an experienced advocate of the Supreme Court, with all due respect,” she stated.
Gorsuch revisited the accusation later, expressing his discomfort with it. “Ms. Blatt, I confess I’m still troubled by your suggestion that your friends on the other side have lied,” he said, prompting Blatt to challenge him by offering to revisit the specific claims made during the oral arguments.
As both parties discussed the implications of the terminology used, Gorsuch stressed the distinction between being incorrect and outright lying. “You can accuse people of being incorrect, but lying is another matter,” he asserted, insisting that such serious accusations required careful consideration before being levied.
The exchange resonated throughout legal circles, with observers noting its intensity; seasoned litigator Raffi Melkonian remarked on social media, “I’ve never heard Justice Gorsuch so angry.” This level of engagement from a Supreme Court justice underscores the high stakes involved in cases regarding the rights of students with disabilities.
This case not only highlights the crucial balance between legal advocacy and ethical representation but also reflects the broader implications for public school systems in accommodating students with disabilities. As arguments continue, the decision will likely set a precedent affecting how educational institutions approach compliance with federal disability laws.
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