Education Mediation
Many disputes arise involving education that can be fully resolved using mediation, including those in elementary and secondary schools and higher education.
Several school systems, individual schools, and universities have adopted restorative practices to reduce conflict in the educational setting.
Many disputes arise involving education that can be fully resolved using mediation, including those in elementary and secondary schools and higher education. The conflicts may be between students and teachers, staff members, teachers, and the administration, or conflicts involving school boards.
Mediation is often a better alternative than litigation to resolve these conflicts. Several school systems, individual schools, and universities have adopted restorative practices to reduce conflict in the educational setting.
Some of the types of matters that can be resolved with mediation include:
Disputes between parents and school systems
Disputes between parents and school officials over Individual Education Plans
Student injuries
Bullying at school
Prohibition from participation in extracurricular activities
Suspension and Expulsion
Disputes between staff and administration
Disputes on the Family Medical Leave Act
Discrimination
Equal Pay Claims
Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Employee Assistance Programs
Disputes between School Board members and Disputes Between the School Board and Superintendent
Role and Responsibility of the Board of Education
Differences in methods of management
Administrative organization
Process for disclosure of information at school board meetings
Higher Education Disputes
Disputes between faculty and administration
Title IX disputes
Discrimination and prohibited conduct
Student discipline, suspension, and expulsion
Many families with children in schools and universities may feel powerless to shape their child's education. Many report having difficulty finding an affordable attorney to help address their rights. However, their rights may be protected in mediation, and many educational systems provide free mediation to consumers.
Additional conflicts between those working in the education systems and administrators can be efficiently resolved in mediation, often improving the opportunities for the faculty and students to excel in the setting.
Find out if education mediation is right for you.
Contact our office today and schedule a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about education mediation:
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A problem arises when the parents disagree with the educational professionals about the necessity for an IEP or the services or goals the school has recommended for a child.
Fortunately, when this disagreement occurs, a child's family members have several options to advocate for the child. Among those is requesting a neutral third person, or a mediator, to meet with the family and the professionals to determine if an agreement can be reached.
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In some cases, when it is based on race, national origin, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, or religion, the bullying may constitute discrimination. Federally-funded schools (including colleges and universities) have an obligation to resolve this type of harassment.
Parents or students may contact the school and request mediation to resolve their dispute with the school's failure to act. If they refuse, you can file a formal grievance with the school district or contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
Even when the activity is not discriminatory, parents may be able to have the issues resolved without litigation through mediation.
