Orlando Sentinal

Florida is one of 17 states suing the federal government over changes to disability law made by the Biden administration, and parents and advocates fear the legal battle could have “catastrophic” results for some students with disabilities. At issue is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The lawsuit asks a federal judge in Texas to rule Section 504 unconstitutional because of an update made by President Joe Biden’s administration that added protections for those with gender dysphoria, when a person’s gender identity differs from their sex. But some disability advocates fear that if the 17 states prevail, the impact will be felt by all students who rely on 504 plans to get accommodations, such as more time to complete tests, and not just those with gender dysphoria.