Promoting awareness for World Sickle Cell Day

World Sickle Cell Day, observed annually on June 19, aims to raise global awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that affects millions worldwide, predominantly those of African descent. This day emphasizes the importance of education, early diagnosis, and treatment to improve the quality of life for individuals living with SCD.In alignment with World Sickle Cell Day and National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released three new resources addressing the civil rights of students with SCD, epilepsy, and cancer. These resources provide crucial information for students, parents, families, and schools regarding the legal protections afforded to students with these medical conditions under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.Section 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in institutions that receive federal financial assistance, encompassing nearly all public schools and higher education institutions. The new resources from OCR explain the circumstances under which SCD, epilepsy, and cancer trigger protections under Section 504. They also outline the modifications educational institutions may need to implement to prevent unlawful discrimination and the steps necessary to remedy past discriminatory practices.Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the production...