Supreme Court Asked To Consider Whether Parents Can Record IEP Meetings

May 14, 2024

A Massachusetts father wants the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether he has a First Amendment right to video record individualized education program meetings with his child's school district.

by Michelle Diament | May 13, 2024

Disability Scoop


The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to take up a case centering on whether parents have the right to record meetings with their child’s school district about special education services.


Scott Pitta recently appealed to the high court after a federal appeals court determined that school officials could prohibit him from video recording a virtual meeting about his son J.J.’s individualized education program, or IEP.


At issue is whether parents have a First Amendment right to “record government officials in the performance of their duties.” The case, Pitta v. Medeiros, originated after a 2022 IEP meeting with the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District in Massachusetts that was held via Google Meet. Concerned that school officials had left important information out of the minutes from previous meetings, Pitta indicated that he was video recording the session. At that point, school officials terminated the meeting in line with their policy against video recording.


Pitta sued alleging that his First Amendment rights had been violated. But both the federal district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit dismissed the claim because the government officials in question — school employees — were not operating in a “public space” or having discussions that would typically occur publicly.


“Pitta’s argument ignores established limitations in First Circuit law, which permit recording of government officials performing their duties only in indisputably public places in full view of the public, and even then, only when the act of filming would not hinder officials in the performance of their public duties and would serve public interests,” reads the appeals court decision issued in January.


In appealing to the Supreme Court, Pitta argues that circuit courts across the country are split on this issue and a national standard is needed.

“If successful, by the time we go through all of this, it’s not going to matter. Our son will be off to college by then,” Pitta said in a video produced by the conservative Goldwater Institute, which is representing him in the case. “This is absolutely a crucial fight for parents out there, for parents of children with special needs. … If we win at the Supreme Court, then we have fought for and affirmed the rights of parents across the entire country.”



The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District did not respond to a request for comment on the case.



May 13, 2025
We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.
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