Advocates for Educational Equity
Education Rights Counsel removes legal barriers so all children stay in school and thrive.
We work for: Families Communities Attorneys
ERC for FAMILIES
We Secure the Rights of Children and Families
ERC believes in all children, and champions every child’s right to stay in school, make appropriate progress and meet challenging objectives.
ERC for COMMUNITIES
Together We're Creating Our Collective Vision for Equitable Education
ERC is privileged to work with numerous non-profits, schools, the juvenile courts, and educators, providing general consults, tailored training and collaboration on projects.
ERC for ATTORNEYS
We Help You Build Your Practice and Strength Your Skills
ERC offers free and tailored CLE, serves as a sounding board, and pays low-bono rates to trained counsel who assist us in meeting client needs.
News
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Supreme Court announces decision lowering standard of proof for student discrimination lawsuits
On June 12, the Supreme Court announced an opinion overturning an 8th Circuit decision that held students bringing discrimination claims to a higher standard than non-students.
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ABA publishes article on ERC's innovative model for advocating for juvenile education rights
Children in the juvenile court system often struggle educationally ... This article describes a groundbreaking "limited-representation education counsel" model pioneered by ERC.
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Bill allowing lawsuits after child sex assaults at school could be narrowed
The ongoing legislative fight to allow lawsuits against Nebraska schools for alleged negligence in cases of child sexual assault faces a tough road in 2025 ...
Read MoreOur Programs
Upcoming Events
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Omaha Children's Museum Resource Fair
Goodwill Training Center • Omaha, Nebraska
July 19, 2025
Get the details on the Resource Fair -
88th Annual Conference - National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Lauren Micek Vargas and Liz McClelland will present on The Intersection of Juvenile Law and Education Law.
July 20-23, 2025
Learn more about the NCJFCJ Conference -
Service Learning Seminar Community Partner Fair
ERC will participate at the UNO Community Engagement Center from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
July 22, 2025
Get the details on the Seminar -
Lauren's 40th Birthday Celebration
An ERC fundraiser at Kendra Scott in Village Pointe.
July 24, 2025
Find out how you can celebrate, too! -
Protect 504 Activation
Lauren and Elizabeth to participate in the online town hall meeting about Section 504.
July 25, 2025
Register to attend Protect 504 Activation -
ENABLE Resource Fair
Sandhills Global Youth Complex • Lincoln, Nebaska
August 1, 2025
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KVC Nebraska Staff Training
ERC to provide training on education rights.
August 15, 2025
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Down Syndrome Education Series
Lauren Micek Vargas will speak on the topic of IEPs.
August 19, 2025
Learn more about DSES -
Raise the Bar 2025
An ERC friendraiser at Brickway Brewery & Distillery!
August 27, 2025
More on Raise the Bar 2025 -
Children's Justice Attorney Education Program Workshop
Lauren Micek Vargas will represent ERC in Kearney, Nebraska.
September 8, 2025
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Children's Justice Clinic Seminar
Lauren Micek Vargas to present at the University of Nebraska Law College in Lincoln.
September 15, 2025
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2025 CIP Children's Summit - Inspiring Hope for the Future
Lauren Micek Vargas and Liz McClelland to present.
September 23, 2025
Details on the 2025 Summit -
2025 Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Family Festival
Heartland of America Park • Omaha, Nebraska
September 28, 2025
Details on the Step Up Walk -
An Evening in the Cloud Room 2025
Join us for ERC's annual event. Ticket information coming soon!
November 13, 2025
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See Some of our Work
Special Education
Jasmine's Story
Jasmine struggled to stay focused and was angry because she was behind in school. ERC helped create an effective IEP so Jasmine could succeed, be proud of her work, and learn tools to become her best self-advocate.
Training & Contracting Services
Little Leaf Learning Center
Little Leaf offers an education program for children with Down Syndrome, serving children starting at 18 months old. They contracted with ERC to provide training and individual assistance for their families to help understand the entire verification and IEP process.
Student Discipline
Adela & Marc
Adela is a lawyer and Guardian ad Litem for Marc who was disciplined by the school district for inappropriate behavior and referred to Juvenile Court. Adela suspected there were missing education pieces, and needed help with school discipline hearing process. ERC collaborated with Adela to help Marc.
Research & Data
Devon's Story
Devon, a teacher in a Nebraska school district, approached ERC with a unique concern. His observation was that Black children, especially those with disabilities, seemed to be disciplined more often in his school and asked us for our observations about the disparity in discipline locally and across the country. Nebraska had no statewide tracking system for data and the federal system does not track all discipline. With the assistance of a grant, ERC collaborated with schools, students and policymakers to ensure that Nebraska’s data collection includes discipline data across the state.