Equal access issues have historically been a large part of ELC’s work. Access issues involve either the total exclusion of a child from school, or the exclusion of some groups of children from services and programs they need to succeed.

Our work in this area includes promoting policies that support and affirm students and safeguard students’ rights and fighting against systemic racism and discrimination. Some examples of the issues we address include: unfair residency rules that disproportionately harm children experiencing homelessness and those in foster care; refusals to support and fully include children with disabilities; failure to provide supports and address language barriers affecting immigrant students and English learners; discrimination and harassment against students of color and LGBTQ+ students; and denial of education to children in residential and hospital placements.

With attacks against students’ rights and public education intensifying, ELC’s vigilance in protecting children against illegal barriers is more critical than ever.