PHILADELPHIA — Two Philadelphia parents and their son are suing the School District of Philadelphia, alleging that the district unlawfully discriminated against the student and failed to accommodate his disabilities.
Troy Souders and Melissa McCollough and their son, Elijah Souders, filed a complaint May 23 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, claiming that the district violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
According to the complaint, Elijah Souders has several disabilities. The plaintiffs claim that, as a result of the defendant's discriminatory conduct, the student was not able to access the defendant's facilities and services, experienced lengthy physical and social isolation, and was not able to receive an education.
The plaintiffs said they hold the district responsible because it allegedly failed to accommodate the child's disabilities, and failed to provide him with a free and appropriate public education.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury; and seek all damages, legal fees and costs, as well as other necessary and appropriate relief. They are represented by Benjamin J. Hinerfeld and Hallam R. Harper of the Law Office of Benjamin J. Hinerfeld in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:18-cv-02167-GJP