Media ContactLisa Ramirez, Communications Director, lramirez@mylegalaid.org
Solitary Watch reports on the use of seclusion rooms in Minnesota schools, asserting that they constitute a form of solitary confinement. Images and testimony from the Minnesota Disability Law Center’s report show these rooms are often “concrete, closet-sized, and feature thick four-inch magnetic-locking doors, like a jail cell.”
Attorney Jessica Heiser from our Minnesota Disability Law Center spoke with Chad Hartman from WCCO Radio about the stark reality of seclusion rooms and why they shouldn’t be used in Minnesota schools. Thank you, WCCO Radio, for having us!
Minnesota Disability Law Center Attorney Chad Wilson represented Tori Andres in her discrimination case against Lyft after drivers refused to
More than 50 Minnesota school districts continue to use so-called seclusion rooms, according to data obtained by the Minnesota Disability Law Center. Districts use seclusion rooms for children with a disability and who are at risk of harming themselves or others. This practice is banned or extremely limited in 21 states.
After a settlement was reached with Lyft for repeatedly denying rides to a passenger with a service animal, Minnesota Disability Law Center Attorney Chad Wilson said he hopes the case raises awareness in Minnesota. He added that people with service animals are also not legally required to show paperwork to rideshare drivers.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid client, Tori Andres, was repeatedly left stranded when Lyft drivers saw her service dog. In a settlement, Lyft will pay Andres $63,000 and strengthen their policies, driver education training and introduce updates to the Lyft app.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Minneapolis, Minn.): After rideshare company Lyft repeatedly denied transportation to a Minnesota college student who is blind, the company must now meet new standards for customer service. Going forward Lyft’s performance and practices will be closely monitored by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, following a case pursued by the Minnesota Disability Law Center of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
As a result of Operation Metro Surge, families of detainees have been left struggling to recover. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Attorney Camila Pacheco-Fores emphasizes how catastrophic even a short detention can be.
People facing deportation are offered little hope for legal help in immigration court. This is the observation of WCCO reporter Jennifer Mayerle. She asks Alison Griffith of Legal Aid’s Immigration Law Project if it’s true that immigration lawyers aren’t taking new clients. Griffith says people shouldn’t give up.
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