#304for504
Protect Section 504
in West Virginia!
A court case, Texas v. Becerra, is threatening the rights of disabled people across the country. In this case, 17 states are suing the federal government to try and eliminate Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.Section 504 is a cornerstone of disability justice. It says that any program or organization receiving federal funding cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. That includes schools, hospitals, state and local governments, housing programs, and more.To discriminate means to treat someone unfairly because of who they are. Section 504 protects disabled people from being denied access, opportunity, or support simply because of their disability.This law has been in place for over 50 years. Losing it would turn back decades of progress.West Virginia has the highest percentage of disabled residents in the country. We know how critical access to healthcare, education, and public services is for our communities. We should be defending our rights, NOT supporting a lawsuit that could take them away.
Education About Section 504
Seventeen states have sued the United States government in an attempt to eliminate Section 504 entirely. These states say they disagree with parts of the updated 504 rules. But instead of challenging only the parts they oppose, the lawsuit asks the court to strike down all of the updated rules and Section 504 itself.The lawsuit claims that Section 504 is unconstitutional and argues that no one should be required to follow any part of it. If the court agrees, it would be a devastating blow to the rights of disabled people across the country
How to Help:
Tell your state attorney general to drop out of the case. You can do more if you live in one of the states that is bringing the case. You can ask your state Attorney General to drop out of the case.
DISruptors in the News
** We appreciate LGBTQ Nation covering this important issue, but want to note that the language attributed to us included ableist phrasing that was not part of our original statement to Truthout. We did not approve the wording used and continue to prioritize inclusive, non-ableist language.
Share Your Voice!
When posting to social media, use #304for504 and #50for504! We are stronger together.