A Louisiana school system and a charter school are facing allegations of failing to provide appropriate educational services to a minor, according to a court filing. On February 25, 2026, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and BASIS Baton Rouge Mid City Charter School filed a joint notice of removal in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. This action was taken following a complaint filed by Asimenye W. Schafer on behalf of her minor child, P.H., alleging violations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The case originates from an appeal against a decision made during a due process hearing that took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Schafer’s complaint, initially filed on April 1, 2025, accuses the defendants of not fulfilling their obligation under IDEA’s Child Find requirements. The Child Find mandate requires public education agencies to identify and evaluate children who may need special education services promptly. Schafer contends that the defendants failed to recognize and assess her child for special education needs, thereby denying them a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as guaranteed by IDEA.
A three-day hearing was conducted before Administrative Law Judge Tameka Johnson-Moore in July and August 2025. However, on October 30, 2025, Judge Johnson-Moore ruled against Schafer’s claims, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the defendants violated IDEA’s Child Find requirements or denied FAPE to P.H. In response to this ruling, Schafer filed an appeal for judicial review on January 28, 2026.
The defendants have removed the case to federal court based on federal question jurisdiction since it involves alleged violations of federal law under IDEA. They argue that the plaintiff’s petition challenges the administrative law judge’s decision concerning the application of IDEA Child Find Requirements. Additionally, they assert supplemental jurisdiction over any state-law claims related to Louisiana Bulletin §1508 because these claims arise from the same set of facts regarding P.H.’s educational evaluation and services.
Schafer seeks judicial review of the administrative decision and hopes for a reversal that acknowledges her child’s right to appropriate educational evaluation and services under IDEA. The legal teams representing both parties include Wayne T. Stewart from Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins LLP for EBRPSS and Melissa Grand along with Francie Trimble from Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC for BASIS Charter School.
This case is being overseen by Judge Scott D. Johnson with Case ID: 3:26-cv-00192-SDJ-EWD.
Source: 326cv00192_Asimenye_Schafer_v_East_Baton_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
