Thomas v. District of Columbia
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
407 F. Supp. 2d 102 (2005)

- Written by Carolyn Strutton, JD
Facts
Lisa Ann Thomas (plaintiff) brought an administrative appeal on behalf of her disabled son, A.T., against the District of Columbia Public Schools (the district) (defendant) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The appeal was heard by an impartial-hearing officer. There were some procedural delays caused by the hearing officer, as well as some delays on Thomas’s part. The hearing officer eventually ruled against Thomas and denied her motion for reconsideration of the matter. Thomas appealed the ruling in federal district court. In her appeal, Thomas claimed that the hearing officer was biased, alleging that the procedural delay, denial of her motion for reconsideration, and an error of law made by the hearing officer were all evidence of bias. She also alleged that the hearing officer had conducted ex parte communications with the district and was an employee of the district. Both the district and Thomas moved for summary judgment.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Kollar-Kotelly, J.)
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