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New Orleans Expands Legal Aid for Students

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 13:03 GMT by WDSU
      Locale: Louisiana, UNITED STATES

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - February 7th, 2026 - New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS) and the Pro Bono Foundation today announced a significant expansion of their partnership, aiming to address systemic inequities within the educational system by providing comprehensive legal assistance to students and their families. The initiative, initially launched with a focus on special education, discipline, and enrollment issues, has proven remarkably successful, prompting a broader scope of services and increased funding.

Originally unveiled in early 2026, the collaboration saw volunteer attorneys from the Pro Bono Foundation offering guidance and representation to families struggling to navigate the often-complex landscape of educational rights and regulations. The early success highlighted a critical unmet need, revealing that many families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, lacked the resources to effectively advocate for their children's educational wellbeing. This frequently resulted in disproportionate disciplinary actions, inadequate special education services, and barriers to school enrollment.

Dr. Karran Campbell, Superintendent of NOPS, emphasized the program's impact. "We've seen firsthand how access to legal counsel can level the playing field for students facing challenges within the school system," Dr. Campbell stated during a press conference. "This isn't just about legal representation; it's about ensuring that every child has a voice and a fair chance to succeed. The Louisiana Bar Foundation's continued commitment through grants has been instrumental in allowing us to expand this vital program."

The expansion, announced today, will broaden the scope of legal assistance to include issues surrounding bullying, truancy, and even navigating the appeals process for charter school applications. A new component will focus on supporting students with disabilities transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or vocational training, ensuring they receive the accommodations and services they are legally entitled to. The Pro Bono Foundation has also committed to providing workshops for parents and guardians on understanding their children's educational rights and responsibilities.

Sarah Shephard, Executive Director of the Pro Bono Foundation, explained the driving force behind the program's growth. "For over 50 years, our foundation has been dedicated to bridging the justice gap in New Orleans. We recognized that educational disparities are often rooted in systemic inequities, and access to legal support is a crucial step towards dismantling those barriers. We firmly believe that a quality education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and this partnership is a testament to that belief."

The Pro Bono Foundation has been instrumental in recruiting and training a dedicated team of volunteer attorneys specializing in education law. This includes attorneys from large firms, solo practitioners, and retired judges, all committed to providing pro bono services. The foundation also provides ongoing support and mentorship to the volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the complex cases they encounter.

Data released today shows a significant increase in positive outcomes for families who have utilized the program. In the past year, over 200 families received legal assistance, resulting in a 75% success rate in resolving disputes related to special education plans, overturning unfair disciplinary actions, and securing appropriate school placements. Furthermore, the program has seen a marked decrease in the number of families resorting to costly and time-consuming legal battles on their own.

However, challenges remain. Demand for the program continues to outstrip available resources. The Pro Bono Foundation is actively seeking additional funding and volunteer attorneys to meet the growing need. A new initiative, dubbed "Future Lawyers for Education," aims to recruit law students to assist with research, client intake, and case preparation, providing them with valuable practical experience while bolstering the program's capacity.

The partnership between NOPS and the Pro Bono Foundation serves as a model for other cities looking to address educational inequities through innovative collaborations. It demonstrates the power of leveraging legal expertise to empower vulnerable families and ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Looking ahead, Dr. Campbell and Ms. Shephard expressed their commitment to continuing to refine and expand the program, ultimately creating a more just and equitable educational system for all of New Orleans' children.