Deaf Law Student Beats School in Aid Fight
A federal judge Monday ordered a state law school to provide notes for a deaf student who charged in a lawsuit that the school failed to provide adequate classroom assistance.
The temporary restraining order barred Rutgers University School of Law from holding two classes attended by Karen Prince unless she receives transcribed notes within 24 hours of each class.
“I’ve got to satisfy that she gets that information,” said U.S. District Judge Stanley S. Brotman. “It may cost Rutgers some money, but that’s my least concern now.”
Prince, 39, a third-year law student who represented herself, sued to be provided with an adequate note-taker or interpreter.
Prince, who expects to graduate in December, said the case marks the first time federal civil rights provisions have been used to force a university to supply assistance for a deaf student. She lost her hearing in 1972.
The university has spent about $10,000 a year to provide sign language translators and note-takers for Prince, said Aron Schwartz, the university’s attorney.
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