#USA #Boston #Victim Rights Law Center #Education Rights #Glenn Agre

Glenn Agre Honored with the 2026 Champion Award

Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes LLP has proudly announced its receipt of the prestigious 2026 Champion Award from the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC). This acknowledgment comes in recognition of the firm’s unwavering advocacy for three students and their families, whom they represented in a significant lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education. The legal battle arose following the controversial mass terminations occurring within the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

The award was presented during the VRLC's Shining Star Celebration, held on October 1, 2026, at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter in Boston. The dedicated team from Glenn Agre, including Reid Skibell, Jon Friedman, and Megan Reilly, played vital roles in this impactful case.

The inception of this impactful legal case dates back to March 2025, when Glenn Agre partnered with Sean Ouellette, a former senior attorney at Public Justice. Together, they filed a compelling complaint against the Department of Education, representing VRLC and the affected students. At the time, the Trump Administration had shut down seven regional OCR offices, severely limiting their efficiency in dealing with urgent discrimination cases that involved bullying based on sexual orientation, race, or disability. This abrupt closure left already vulnerable students without the crucial support they desperately needed.

As a result of these drastic policy changes, students found themselves unable to seek justice or protection from harassment and discrimination in their educational environments. The implications of these terminations and office closures, documented in publications like The New Yorker, highlighted the dire consequences these decisions had on students’ lives, shedding light on a broader issue of fundamental civil rights violations.

After persistent legal efforts, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction, effectively halting the reduction in staff and aiming to protect students from further harm. Following additional litigation, the federal government ultimately consented to rehire the dismissed employees, reestablishing the critical OCR offices.

Jon Friedman, a partner at Glenn Agre, expressed the firm’s pride in partnering with the VRLC, stating, "We are honored to have had the opportunity to partner with such a vital organization in standing up for students' civil rights. Students have a fundamental right to feel safe from discrimination and harassment in school, and the OCR's mass termination left bullied students with nowhere to turn."

Reid Skibell also commented on the importance of the case: "This case exemplifies the profound impact that legal action can have in protecting basic civil rights. Frequently, those facing discrimination feel isolated and unheard. These students were fortunate to have turned to the VRLC to raise their voices. We believe it's our duty to ensure every client is heard, regardless of the challenges posed by powerful institutions."

Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes LLP stands as a reputable litigation and trial firm, recognized for its expertise in navigating complex commercial disputes and financial litigation. Its dedication to client advocacy extends beyond traditional legal boundaries, helping to foster an environment where justice prevails in even the most challenging circumstances. For further information, visit glennagre.com.