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May 19, 2026  —  ERC News

Letter from the CEO: A Note of Gratitude as the School Year Comes to a Close

We see what becomes possible when the right people come together around what a student needs. Throughout the year, educators were foundational to our support. Now, we invite nominations for the 2026 Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award.

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Apr 22, 2026  —  Media Coverage

Nebraska schools continue to deny transfers for kids with disabilities. Lawmakers gutted a proposed fix.

Facing opposition, a Nebraska lawmaker pulled his proposed ban on disproportionate transfer denials. Parents and advocates say the resulting legislation will harm the kids it originally aimed to protect.

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Upcoming changes in education policy

The second session of the 109th Legislature has concluded. Although it was a short session and many issues remain unaddressed, a few notable changes were enacted that have a direct education impact on families.

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Apr 15, 2026  —  Impact Stories

Real Impact: When school isn't the problem

When Dave heard that Education Rights Counsel would be appointed to his daughter’s juvenile court case, he barely reacted. “I thought, well, who cares what ERC can do,” he said. “The problem isn’t school.”

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Apr 15, 2026  —  Impact Stories

Real Impact: Bridging the gap to a thriving future

Carla did everything right. She showed up. She spoke up. She was determined to get her grandson the education he needed. "I have known Aaron since he was less than 24 hours old. We've been very involved in his life. And I know this kid. And it felt like they weren't listening to me."

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Apr 1, 2026  —  ERC News

Lauren Micek Vargas Receives Dick Holland Literacy Advocate Award

Education Rights Counsel is proud to announce that CEO Lauren Micek Vargas has been honored with the Dick Holland Literacy Advocate Award, presented by Phoenix Academy in Omaha.

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Texas v. Kennedy Still Seeks to Eliminate Section 504

Despite public claims to the contrary, Texas v. Kennedy remains a direct and dangerous attack on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a foundational civil rights law that has protected people with disabilities for more than 50 years.

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Action Alert: Protect parents' rights to meaningful participation in their children's education

LB841 is an important bill that gives parents of children with disabilities the ability to consent to proposed services for their children.

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ERC Testimony in Support of LB841

Parents of children with disabilities should have the right to consent to what services will be provided to their children.

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Action Alert: YOU can help our youngest children stay in school!

Nebraska's youngest students need your support NOW. It is critical to the health and wellbeing of our children that we OPPOSE LB1053.

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Jan 15, 2026  —  ERC News

The 2026 Education Shift

American K-12 education is undergoing its most dramatic overhaul in decades. While new policies raise real concerns ... ERC is here for students and families.

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Nov 20, 2025  —  ERC News

Liz McClelland named to Midlands Business Journal's 40 Under 40

Education Rights Counsel is proud to congratulate Managing Attorney Liz McClelland on her selection as a Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

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ERC responds to US Department of Education RIFs

The US Department of Education recently eliminated hundreds of jobs through a Reduction in Force (RIF). While the long-term status of these cuts is questionable, there is no doubt that the short-term impact will be disruptive.

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Oct 15, 2025  —  ERC News

Education Rights Counsel launches updated mission and values

ERC has unveiled an updated mission and values—marking an important milestone in our ongoing evolution as a child-focused, collaborative force for educational equity.

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Sep 15, 2025  —  Media Coverage

Nebraska education leaders see plan to close US Department of Education as 'disastrous'

... dismantling of the federal Department of Education could have "catastrophic" effects ...

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Aug 11, 2025  —  Press Releases

Local educator's career of inclusion earns top honor

ERC will honor Meribeth Jackson with the first-ever Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award at Raise the Bar.

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Aug 11, 2025  —  Media Coverage

Omaha Mom Talks podcast features ERC's Lauren Micek Vargas

Omaha Mom Talks podcaster Jessie Gutierrez talked with Lauren about special education advocacy and more.

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Section504 White Paper

Section 504: the History and Current Risk

We are witnessing a coordinated effort to weaken protections for people with disabilities. Section 504 was born from protest, it must be defended with the same urgency.

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