A lawsuit filed on behalf of California students, parents and community groups alleges the state is failing to provide a constitutionally mandated free and equal education during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many schools in the state have remained fully remote, and reopening plans have been delayed by the late fall surge in COVID-19 cases.

The lawsuit, filed on Nov. 20 by the not-for-profit law firm Public Counsel, alleges that this failure amounts to discrimination against California’s Black, Latino and low-income families — already vulnerable because of historic and systemic inequities — who face a disproportionate impact from COVID-19.

The suit also alleges that students lack access to digital tools necessary for remote learning and that schools have failed to provide academic and social-emotional support and minimal instructional times.

The plaintiff is demanding the state make up for learning losses among students in Black, Latino and low-income communities and provide access to necessary technology and supports for students during the pandemic.

Los Angeles Times, Dec. 1