The ACLU of Rhode Island and the RI Disability Law Center today issued the following statements in response to a settlement agreement issuing a diploma to Barrington resident Molly Coffey:

"The ACLU is very pleased that Molly has finally been given the diploma she rightfully earned. We commend the Coffey family for refusing to take 'no' for an answer. Thanks to their fight, thousands of students will be spared the stress, anxiety and unfairness of a high stakes testing regime," Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island said.

Anne Mulready, supervising attorney at the RI Disability Law Center, said: "Students with disabilities face many obstacles in getting the public education that they deserve and that the law entitles them to. Molly's perseverance in seeking fair treatment from the school department and the state is an inspiring lesson for us all."