Hartford Graduate Sues School District Alleging inability to read despite Honors Diploma
Aleysha Oriz’s lawsuit, filed in recent months by a graduate from Hartford Public High School aged 19, has sparked a discussion about the accountability of schools and how to support students with disabilities. Ortiz claims that she cannot read or write well, despite having graduated with honors from Hartford Public High School in 2024. The Hartford Board of Education, as well as city officials are being sued for negligence. She claims that they failed to provide her with adequate special education throughout K-12.
Ortiz has now become a University of Connecticut student (UConn). As reported by Connecticut News 8 WTNH, and CNN, she has relied heavily on the use of assistive technologies, namely speech-to text and text-tospeech, to help her complete homework and navigate through coursework.
The Lawsuit: Its Importance
This case brings to light serious problems within the education system. This lawsuit highlights systemic failures to provide appropriate and effective supports for students with disabilities.
Ortiz’s story raises questions on how to measure academic success and if special education is equipping children with skills that will help them succeed beyond high-school. This experience also raises questions about college admission procedures and how applicants with significant academic difficulties are evaluated.
The Case Details
Aleysha Oriz says she has been promoted repeatedly through the school system without acquiring essential literacy skills. She testified at a Hartford City Council meeting in May 2024 that despite having received an honors degree, she was still unable to write or read after 12 years of Hartford Public Schools.
School officials, according to reports, allegedly gave her the choice to postpone her diploma just before she graduated to receive more support. She declined this offer.
Navigating the College Admissions Process
Ortiz was admitted to UConn thanks to the holistic review of his application. UConn looks at factors other than test scores. These include GPAs, rigor in coursework, extracurricular programs, personal essays, etc.
Ortiz used voice to text software to fill out her college application. She also received scholarships and financial aid to help her pay for higher education.
Ortiz, however, faced challenges in the classroom upon her entry to UConn. She took a mental health leave beginning in February of 2025, citing difficulties with adjusting to demanding college coursework. Despite her desire to resume her college studies, she has found it difficult to adapt to the academic demands of college.
The ## Responses to Perspectives
Hartford Public Schools issued a statement to CNN noting they cannot comment on pending litigation but reiterating a “deep commitment to meeting the full range of needs our students bring with them when they enter our schools—and helping them reach their full potential.”
Anthony Spinella’s, Aleysha’s, attorney told the CTMirror the suit isn’t about the lack of basic education or services, but “the damage done to Aleysha’s emotional state when the District failed to provide them.” [Ortiz] I went through a process to try and get [the district] “I was shocked at how some teachers and administrators treated her.”
Future Outlook and Implications
Aleysha’s lawsuit against Hartford Board of Education officials and the city of Hartford is still ongoing. This resolution may have significant implications for future policies relating to educational accountability, standards of literacy, the allocation and support of resources as well as the comprehensive assistance provided to children with learning disabilities in Connecticut, and possibly the entire United States education system.