09/26/2026
DCIC Statement: Texas v. Kennedy Abandons Federal Commitment to Community Integration
This week, the federal judge in the case of Texas v. Kennedy entered an order throwing out the community integration provisions of the Section 504 rule issued in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The order applies across the country.
The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) condemns the federal government’s action resulting in this order and urges renewed advocacy to protect our right to community integration.
The agreement approved by the judge was proposed jointly by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of HHS and the states of Texas, Florida, Alaska, Louisiana, and Montana. It affects only certain parts of the 2024 rule. The case is now closed.
While the DOJ / HHS and states’ agreement attempts to turn back the clock, it is important to note that this agreement does not change any laws. Despite the court’s order, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision remain in place. We continue to have the legal right to not be forced into institutions. It is very important that governors and attorneys general in every state understand that this order goes against decades of established law, and that the disability community will not go backwards.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4hvN01Z
Coalition Graphic: Text reads, “Defend Community Integration Coalition” followed by logos for NCIL, AAPD, ASAN, Caring Across Generations, NDRN, United Spinal, Access Living, NACDD, Center for Public Representation, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and DREDF.
