KLLF Wins Liability Claims Against DOCCS for Disability Discrimination

The Northern District of New York has granted summary judgment on liability to a class of people who were incarcerated in New York State and shut out from an early release program on the basis of their mental health status. In its ruling, the Court found that the class members had proven that the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) intentionally denied all people with “moderate” mental health disorders from having the opportunity to complete a boot-camp-style program that would make them eligible for early release from prison. This conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and other statutes that protect those with disabilities from being shut out of government programs. The ruling renders DOCCS liable as a matter of law.

The Court had previously certified a class of all incarcerated people who were eligible to participate in the boot camp program but were denied access over a four-year period because they were categorized as having “moderate” mental health disorders. Its ruling thus applies to the entire class.

KLLF attorneys Doug Lieb, Ali Frick, and Kyla Magun represent the class.