What situation illustrates a student being denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE)?

• A. A private school is financially unable to provide special education services to a student.
• B. The student is placed full time into an inclusive general education classroom.
• C. A denial of due process causes parents to be unable to participate in educational decisions.
• D. The student is placed into the least restrictive environment (LRE) according to their disability.

Answer: (C)

The situation that illustrates a student being denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is one where a denial of due process prevents parents from participating in educational decisions regarding their child. FAPE ensures that students with disabilities receive an education that is tailored to their individual needs and that parents have the right to be involved in decisions about their child's education, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and due process hearings. When parents are unable to exercise their right to participate in these critical discussions and decisions due to systemic failures in due process, the student is effectively denied access to the educational resources and services designed to support their unique needs, thus violating their right to FAPE.

This context highlights the fundamental principle that not only must the educational services be provided, but parents must also have an active role in advocating for and shaping these services to ensure the child's right to a meaningful education.