The US Department of Justice argues that the school will not attract enough white students. The case has created a situation some call absurd. The United Charter imbroglio is just one facet of a larger problem of regulatory conflict. Charter schools are given great latitude on regulation in exchange for results. The ones that are the most useful will get hit the hardest.
Regulations involving disabilities are as urgent a concern as racial balance.
These laws could compel some charter schools to accept students with serious disabilities. Sandrina Ray makes a point at Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C., as teacher Laura Sigman listens. Charter schools are free of much traditional regulation, but many face problems in meeting federal civil rights requirements. But Ms. O'Sullivan now worries that special-education requirements will crush her fledgling school. Special-needs students make up about 15 percent of the school, as opposed to a national average of 10 percent.