Due Process Is a Federal Right.
I never planned to be in due process. But when I requested an Independent Educational Evaluation for my autistic son, the district elected to file to defend its evaluation. I am participating in that legal process as provided under IDEA.
Why I’m Sharing This
Like many parents, I showed up to meetings, documented concerns, and trusted the process. When I disagreed with a school evaluation, I exercised my right under federal law to request an Independent Educational Evaluation.
The district chose to initiate due process to defend its evaluation. That decision moves the disagreement into a formal legal setting.
Due process is not aggression.
It is enforcement.
I am protecting my son’s privacy. I will not share his school, his face, or private records. But I will share what the process requires — and why families should not have to walk it alone.
Enforcement is expensive — and families shouldn’t be priced out of their rights.
How You Can Stand With Alicia
Public education accountability should not require families to enter legal proceedings to enforce rights that already exist in federal law.
Due Process Eve: Community Rally
Registration is required to receive the Zoom access link.
April 13, 2026
Date
What Due Process Actually Means
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), families have the right to challenge decisions about identification, evaluation, placement, or services.
Due process is the structured legal mechanism for resolving those disagreements.
It involves:
• Formal filings
• Legal preparation
• Record review
• Procedural timelines
• Administrative hearings
It is a federally protected right.
Participating in it, however, carries significant financial cost.
The Part Families Don’t Talk About
Participating in due process may require:
Attorney representation
Case preparation and record organization
Transcript and administrative costs
Possible expert consultation
Time away from work
Families do not receive funding simply for showing up.
Enforcement should not depend on who can afford it.
Documentation, Not Opinion
In a related matter, an independent investigator issued Letter of Findings #26-008 confirming oversight failures regarding corrective action timelines.
I am sharing redacted excerpts to maintain privacy while providing transparency.
Documented Denial of FAPE
In a separate Letter of Findings, the Maryland State Department of Education determined that my child was denied a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). I am sharing the relevant excerpt below in redacted form to maintain privacy while providing transparency.
How You Can Stand With Us
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Your donation directly supports legal representation, case preparation, and due process proceedings.
When a district files due process after a parent requests an Independent Educational Evaluation under IDEA, responding requires significant legal resources.
This fund ensures federal rights are defended and enforced.
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This shirt is more than apparel — it is a visible statement that federal rights in public education are enforceable.
Proceeds support legal costs associated with due process.
Wearing it signals that accountability in special education matters.
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Visibility matters.
Sharing this page expands awareness, strengthens community support, and ensures that families navigating due process are not isolated.
If you cannot give financially, sharing is a powerful form of support.
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Due process can be isolating and overwhelming.
This virtual space connects Maryland families navigating similar legal proceedings.
It provides clarity, shared experience, and structured conversation around enforcement of IDEA.
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April 14–15 marks my due process hearing dates.
Wearing your shirt on these days demonstrates visible community support and reinforces that federal educational rights matter beyond one case.
Important Dates
Pre-Hearing Conference
January 20, 2026
Solidarity Shirt Deadline
Last Day to order — March 23, 2026
Orders arrive around Apr 08
Stand with Alicia: Due Process Community Rally
The night before a scheduled due process hearing, we are gathering virtually as a community to stand in support of families working to enforce federal special education rights under IDEA.
After requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) for a neuropsychological evaluation, Prince George’s County Public Schools filed a due process complaint rather than funding the evaluation. The hearing will determine whether the district’s evaluation was sufficient under federal law.
The evening before the hearing, we invite families, advocates, educators, and community members to join us for a moment of support, reflection, and awareness.
This virtual rally will include:
• A brief overview of the case
• Community discussion about IDEA enforcement
• Music and engagement activities
• Prayer and encouragement from the community
Supporters who purchased fundraiser shirts are encouraged to wear them during the event.
Your presence helps raise awareness about the challenges families face when enforcing federal education rights.
Due Process Hearing
April 14–15
Post-Hearing Update
Weekend Following
**I will not provide live commentary during the hearing.
A structured update will follow.
This Is Bigger Than One Family
When families exercise rights under IDEA, they should not be financially deterred from participating in lawful processes.
Feder protections exist for a reason. Ensuring they are accessible matters for all families.
FAQs
Are you sharing your child’s identity or school?
1
No. I will not share identifying information, private evaluations, or confidential student records.
Will you share legal strategy or evidence?
2
No. I will provide structured updates, but I will not discuss legal strategy while the matter is active.
Why is the district involved in due process?
3
When a parent disagrees with an evaluation or services, either party may initiate due process under IDEA. In this case, the district elected to file to defend its evaluation after I requested an Independent Educational Evaluation.
How will funds be used?
4
Funds support legal and case-preparation costs related to participating in due process, including attorney fees, record review, and administrative expenses.
If funds exceed immediate legal costs, they will be used for educational services and learning supports necessary to maintain continuity of access during this process.