Case Study Honig V Doe

Introduction

The case of Honig v. Doe is a landmark special education case that has had a significant impact on the way students with disabilities are treated in the American education system. The case, which was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1988, dealt with the issue of whether students with disabilities could be expelled from school for misbehavior. The case ultimately resulted in a ruling that has had a lasting impact on the rights of students with disabilities in the education system.

Background

The case of Honig v. Doe centered on a student with a disability who had been expelled from school for violent behavior. The student, known in court documents as "John Doe," had been diagnosed with emotional disturbance and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The school had attempted to expel him under the provisions of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), which allowed for the expulsion of students with disabilities for dangerous behavior.

The student's parents challenged the expulsion, arguing that it was a violation of their son's rights under the EAHCA. The case made its way through the court system, ultimately reaching the United States Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Ruling

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the student and his parents. The Court held that students with disabilities could not be expelled from school for behavior related to their disability. The ruling was based on the idea that students with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education, and that expulsion for behavior related to their disability would be a violation of that right.

The Court's decision had far-reaching implications for the education of students with disabilities. It established that students with disabilities have a right to special education services and supports, and that they cannot be denied those services based on their behavior. The ruling also had a significant impact on the way schools handle disciplinary issues for students with disabilities, requiring them to consider the student's disability and provide appropriate supports and services.

Impact on Education

The ruling in Honig v. Doe has had a lasting impact on the education of students with disabilities in the United States. It has helped to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the supports and services they need to succeed in school. The case has also contributed to the development of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has further strengthened the rights of students with disabilities in the education system.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the percentage of students with disabilities who are educated in regular classrooms has increased significantly since the Honig v. Doe decision. In the 1985-1986 school year, only 32% of students with disabilities were educated in regular classrooms. By the 2018-2019 school year, that number had increased to 63%. This increase can be attributed in part to the protections and supports provided to students with disabilities as a result of the Honig v. Doe ruling.

Conclusion

The case of Honig v. Doe has had a profound impact on the education of students with disabilities in the United States. The Supreme Court's decision in the case established important protections for students with disabilities, ensuring that they have the right to a free appropriate public education and cannot be expelled for behavior related to their disability. The case has helped to shape the legal framework for special education in the United States and has contributed to the increased inclusion of students with disabilities in regular classrooms. Overall, the Honig v. Doe decision has been a crucial step in ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education and the supports they need to succeed.