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Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted education law in any significant way?

Mariel Reihill

Hey friend!
Great question. Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed impacted education law in significant ways. With schools closing across the globe, education has shifted online, and new challenges have arisen as a result. Let me explain.
Firstly, the pandemic has highlighted the digital divide, where some students lack access to reliable internet and electronic devices, which is necessary for distance learning. This divide has become a significant concern for education officials, and many governments are looking into ways to address the issue. In some countries, such as the United States, new legislation has been introduced to allocate funds towards providing equal access to technology for students from all backgrounds.
Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted how colleges and universities admit and review applicants. Many schools have moved to virtual interviews, while others have made standardized testing optional, recognizing that many students were not able to take the exams due to the pandemic. Additionally, the pandemic has also led to difficulties in international student admissions due to travel restrictions and concerns over international students' safety during the pandemic.
Thirdly, there have been significant shifts in special education law. During the pandemic, many school closures affected the right to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. This has resulted in many families seeking legal remedies to ensure that their children's educational needs are not ignored during school closures. Also, remote learning has required additional accommodations, which has prompted education law officials to rethink how to provide legal protections for students with disabilities.
Lastly, COVID-19 has also led to significant changes in labor law regarding teachers' rights. The pandemic has put teachers at increased risk due to their work in close proximity to students and others. This has resulted in new legislation and regulations regarding the protection of teachers' health and safety in the workplace.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted education law in various significant ways. From shifting admissions protocols to new laws to guarantee the rights of students with disabilities, even without school closures, the digital divide has become a major issue in education. These changes in education law have highlighted the need for schools to be flexible and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.