Hello friend,

On Wednesday, February 19 2025, a Joint Status Report was filed by the 17 states (including WV). The status report changes nothing about the lawsuit. The 17 states went on record with the court saying that they do not plan to declare Section 504 unconstitutional "on its face."

The 17 states are also challenging community integration. Currently under Section 504, states are required to provide services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting. This means our disabled friends and family have the RIGHT to participate in our community with supports instead of being segregated in institutions or separate classrooms. WV and the other 16 states say this is too costly and do not want to follow the rule, but still utilize the federal funds how they see fit. 

Regardless of what they say in the joint status, all 17 states remain in the lawsuit. They have asked that the lawsuit stay on a pause, and on the 21st of each month, they will file another Joint Status Report updating the court. 

Our grassroots movement is growing. We began a campaign called #304for504 that has joined with #50for504 and the DISrupt coalition (on instagram) to advocate in WV and across the nation. 

We need you to continue calling the WV Attorney General's Office and urge them to withdraw from the Texas v. Becerra Lawsuit. AG McCuskey has the power to do so, and does not have to wait on anyone or anything to withdraw. The fact that he stays in the suit speaks volumes about who he will support and who he will not. 

If you are not in our facebook group, we would love to have you join. This is where we are posting frequent updates.

Here's a quick highlight of what's been going on this week: 

• 304for504 is partnering with the DISrupt coalition (on instagram) to help advocate for Section 504 nationwide. We will be using #50for504 in addition to #304for504
• Monday, March 3rd we will begin the 504 is Campaign to help educate people about what Section 504 does. These are graphics you will have access to in our FB group, and are encouraged to share with your network.
• The DISrupt WV coalition is on instagram, and West Virginia has its own account if you'd like to join. 
• DISrupt also has it’s own discord if you want to join
• Email list sign up so we can stay in contact
• We are also working on building relationships with organizations to sign on and support our cause!
• We also had an article in the Herald Dispatch come out this past weekend. Check the files in the FB group to read the PDF I scanned in since the actual article is behind a pay wall.

We will continue to keep you posted on updates as we have them! Keep sharing this petition and call the Attorney General. Thank you for all of your help!

Keep up the Fight,

Marisa Jackson