Justia Civil Rights Opinion Summaries

Ten special education students and their parents and guardians (Appellants) sued Clover Park School District for intentional torts, outrage, negligence and unlawful discrimination under state law. Clover Park moved for summary judgment to dismiss, arguing that Appellants had not exhausted the administrative remedies available under the state Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The trial court granted Clover Parkâs motion. Upon review, the Supreme Court reversed the trial court and remanded the case, holding that IDEAâs administrative exhaustion requirement does not apply to state-law claims nor does Washington State law require exhaustion before filing such claims.