It seems that the U.S. Department of Justice is none too pleased with LSAC these days. Porque, you ask? For one, LSAC has been flagging the LSAT scores of those test takers who received special accommodations due to disabilities. Apparently, LSAC has also made it fairly onerous to receive such accommodations.

In one case, the DOJ has alleged that although one prospective LSAT test taker provided extensive documentation of her previous receipt of accommodations from other testing agencies since she was a kindergartner, LSAC was not moved. She had very poor vision and needed a large print testing book. When she appealed LSAC’s decision, she was informed that the date for such appeal had passed. She was denied accommodated LSAT test-taking two more times thereafter.

If the above is indeed the case, then the DOJ has a very strong point to make. The LSAC’s behavior sounds exactly like the actions prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Not only is LSAC apparently making it exceedingly difficult for those with disabilities to get accommodations for LSAT testing (and thus also a score reflective of their true abilities), it is also creating a disadvantage for those with disabilities by flagging their LSAT scores.

Why is flagging LSAT scores not okay? The entire point of providing accommodations for LSAT testing is to level the playing field for those with disabilities so their LSAT scores reflect their abilities as accurately as the LSAT scores of those without accommodations. Flagging an LSAT score implies that there was some sort of competitive advantage worthy of note, thus devaluing the flagged score. Not cool, and not kosher under the ADA.

While LSAC’s violations seem fairly severe, here are two simple fixes:

First, stop flagging LSAT scores. Just don’t do it. You now have less to do than you did before. Yay!

Next, when someone provides exhaustive documentation of a disability, give him or her accommodations. Do it. Because you have to. Stop sucking at life, LSAC.