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Educational Advocacy Program

The Institute, through the work of our students and faculty, serves the educational needs of children through direct representation and policy initiatives, including support for:

  • children in the special education process
  • children facing suspension or expulsion
  • children experiencing bullying or harassment at school
  • children whose education is impacted by involvement in the juvenile justice system, placement in foster care, or high-conflict parenting disputes

The Stand Up For Each Other (SUFEO) Education Advocacy Program provides free information and assistance to families of PreK-12 students facing barriers to success in school. SUFEO receives referrals from local mental health and legal service agencies and provides advocacy support to families, supervised by law school faculty. Law students provide information, referrals, advice, and, in some cases, representation for PreK-12 students in school-based meetings, on issues such as:

•    Bullying complaints, investigations, safety transfers, and safety planning meetings;
•    Expulsion and suspension hearings;
•    Truancy proceedings at the school and administrative hearing level;
•    Special education; and
•    School enrollment 

Course Sequencing

SUFEO offers the rare opportunity for currently enrolled law students to engage in experiential coursework as early as 1L year.

Interested students apply in the fall semester to take the Educational Advocacy Lab (LAW 341) in the spring. In this course, students build their knowledge in education law and participate in simulations to equip themselves with the skills to conduct intakes with families on education law-related matters.

Students who have completed the Educational Advocacy Lab can take the Educational Advocacy Practicum the following school year.  Students provide legal information and advocacy support to families.

SUFEO Chicago began as a student-initiated capstone course in Fall 2014, modeled after the Stand Up for Each Other project that previously operated in New Orleans. It operated as both a student organization and an experiential learning opportunity for students. As of Fall 2026, it is now a fully curricular component of Loyola’s Educational Advocacy Program.

Where to Find Us

Email: sufeo-chicago@luc.edu (referrals from professional partners only)
Instagram: sufeo_loyolachicago

Anti-Bullying Project

The ChildLaw Center's Anti-Bullying Project seeks to promote thorough and effective bullying investigations and school-based responses; ensure that a plan is put in place to support targets of bullying and prevent recurrence and escalation; and advocate for school leadership to take proactive steps to prevent and address bullying behavior going forward.