SC legal centers file complaint against Beaufort

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two legal advocacy groups have filed a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Education contending that students with disabilities in the Beaufort Country School District are being denied services required by law.

The Appleseed Legal Justice Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center filed the complaint Tuesday.

Justice Center spokesman Stephen Suggs says the district is failing to provide special education services such as counseling and behavior support plans, which are required by federal law. Suggs says students with disabilities are being disciplined without regard for their disabilities.

Deputy legal director Jerri Katzerman says the Law Center wants the district to comply with federal law.

Education Department spokesman Jay Ragley says the agency will investigate the claims.