In AJT v. Osseo Area Schools, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed an important question about the rights of students with disabilities and the legal standards families must meet when seeking remedies under federal disability laws. The case centers on whether families pursuing claims under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must prove a higher level of wrongdoing—such as bad faith or gross misjudgment—beyond what is required under IDEA.

The outcome has significant implications for parents seeking accountability when a school fails to provide appropriate supports. At its core, the case highlights the ongoing tension between procedural compliance and meaningful access to education, and it may clarify how difficult it is for families to obtain relief when schools fall short of their obligations.