• Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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Settlement Suggests Wider Scrutiny of Colleges' Compliance With Disabilities Law

The University of Chicago will make its campus facilities more accessible to people with disabilities, under an agreement announced on Monday by the U.S. Justice Department. According to a news release issued by the Justice Department, the agreement settles complaints arising out of a federal review of the university’s compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The university was not fined or otherwise penalized, and it did not admit negligence in complying with the law. But the university agreed to take a series of steps to bring its buildings and services into compliance over the next four years. The Associated Press quoted a university official as saying he was not sure how much all of the changes would cost. The Justice Department’s release quoted an assistant attorney general as applauding the university for its willingness to set matters right. The lawyer also said, “We hope that other colleges and universities will follow this example,” suggesting that more such compliance reviews are in the offing.