A lawsuit threatening the protection for people with disabilities has been filed in 17 states. Justin Champagne, a current grad student at LSU working to become a Math Professor, has concerns of joining the workforce without the protection of Section 504.

“If Section 504 were declared unconstitutional, then any university I apply to, they could refuse to even look at my resume if they knew that I was totally blind,” Champagne said.

In May 2024, Former President Joe Biden, categorized gender dysphoria, a feeling of distress towards the gender assigned at birth, as a disability. In September 2024, 17 states sued the U.S. Government arguing that gender dysphoria and Section 504, as a whole, is unconstitutional. If successfully eliminated this could be detrimental to people with disabilities.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who joined the lawsuit back in September 2024, issued a statement.
“I support Section 504 protections for people with disabilities,” Murrill said. We are actively seeking a resolution with the Trump Admin that would withdraw these rules while still protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act’s traditional coverage and interpretation.”

Champagne was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, which affects his peripheral vision, and is near legally blind.

“So like if I’m looking directly at you, like and I mean right at you, then I can see you more or less just fine,” Champagne said. “But if I turn my head even slightly, then I can’t see you anymore.”

Life has been made easier for people like Justin, but without Section 504 he will have to work harder to be a functioning society member. The states submitted their legal briefs outlining their position on Feb. 25, 2025 and are waiting for the court’s decision.