Dr. David Bateman, professor of special education at Shippensburg University, served as a pro bono expert in the Flint, Michigan special education class action lawsuit.

Dr. Bateman was one of three educational experts to offer services toward the settlement, which seeks to provide support to students who are eligible for special education after lead exposure from unclean water.

Defendants in the case include: Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), and Flint Community Schools (FCS) – all agreeing to provide funding and services to students as a result of the settlement.

According to Dr. Bateman, “all school districts have obligations to seek out and identify all students who may be eligible for special education. States also have responsibilities to ensure local school districts do what they are supposed to do. In this instance, the districts need to do a better job of identifying students, and the state needs to do a better job monitoring local school districts.”

As an internationally renowned special education scholar, Dr. Bateman participates regularly in external professional work like this settlement, providing a plethora of experiences to share with students.

Dr. Bateman teaches the special education law class for the educational leadership program – the perfect opportunity to bring his experience from the Flint, Michigan lawsuit to the classroom.

“I will focus on the harms to students when they do not get appropriate services, the long term societal costs when students do not receive an appropriate education, and the need to train all teachers in identifying students who might need assistance.”

Dr. Nicole Hill, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services, commended Dr. Bateman for his professional pursuits. “I am proud to have Dr. Bateman as an esteemed colleague in the College of Education and Human Services.”

Dr. Bateman adds significant value to both Shippensburg University and to the public discourse of special education.