In a significant legal battle that could impact the educational rights of children with disabilities, a group of plaintiffs has filed a class-action lawsuit against a school board and state education department. The complaint, lodged by Cynthia Lee and others on November 20, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, accuses the Cumberland County Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction of systematically violating federal laws designed to protect students with disabilities.
The lawsuit centers around allegations that the defendants failed to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that schools identify, locate, and evaluate all children who may have disabilities requiring special education services. According to the plaintiffs, including second-grade teacher Cynthia Lee and parents representing their children R.S., D.C., and J.M., Cumberland County Schools (CCS) employed an unlawful policy that delayed or denied these evaluations by forcing students to complete a lengthy Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) program first. This practice allegedly violated IDEA’s Child Find mandate, which requires timely evaluation procedures.
Cynthia Lee claims she identified clear signs of disabilities in her students during the 2024-2025 school year but faced resistance from CCS when she referred them for evaluation. Despite repeated referrals from both Lee and the children’s parents, CCS reportedly refused to conduct necessary evaluations or provide written explanations for their refusals. The plaintiffs argue this was not an oversight but rather a deliberate policy by CCS to circumvent federal obligations.
The complaint further alleges retaliation against Cynthia Lee for advocating on behalf of her students. After filing a formal complaint with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), Lee experienced what she describes as abusive conduct from school administrators, including public humiliation and intimidation tactics that ultimately forced her resignation. Despite NCDPI’s investigation confirming systemic violations by CCS and ordering corrective actions, the plaintiffs assert that CCS has failed to comply with these directives.
The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief to compel compliance with IDEA’s requirements, as well as compensatory damages for those affected by these alleged violations. They argue that without court intervention, many more children will continue to be deprived of their right to appropriate educational evaluations and services.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney [Name], while defendants are represented by [Name]. The case is being presided over by Judge [Name] under Case ID No. 5:25-cv-746.
Source: 525cv00746_Lee_v_Cumberland_County_Board_of_Education_Complaint_Eastern_District_North_Carolina.pdf
