SUFEO (Stand Up For Each Other!)

Stand Up For Each Other (SUFEO) Chicago is a student-run organization that provides free information and services for K-12 students facing suspension, bullying, or exclusion from school. SUFEO law students operate a helpline, supervised by attorneys in the Civitas ChildLaw Clinic. After a brief intake, SUFEO can provide information, referrals, advice, and, in some cases, representation for K-12 students in school-based meetings, on issues such as:

• Suspension appeals
• Bullying complaints and investigations 
• Safety planning meetings
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
• Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
• Records appeals 

SUFEO students aim to help parents and schools work together to keep children safe and engaged in school.

SUFEO Chicago was launched in October 2014 and is modeled after the Stand Up for Each Other project in New Orleans and the Suspension Representation Project in New York City.

Are you a K-12 student, parent, or guardian who needs help understanding your school rights? Call our Helpline at 773-800-0338. Your call will be returned within 24-48 business hours. Please have the student’s school documents nearby when you call.

Community Outreach: Do you work with youth or parents who would benefit from learning about their legal rights in school? SUFEO is happy to provide your organization or your constituents with free Know Your Rights trainings either in person or virtually. Please contact sufeo-chicago@luc.edu.

Student Volunteers: Are you a law student looking to have direct client experience as early as your 1L year? Contact the SUFEO Board members at sufeo-chicago@luc.edu to discuss how you can support the work of SUFEO Chicago.

2022-2023 Executive Board

President: Nneka Ugwu

Vice President: Brian Hansen

Intake Coordinators: Emma Wallace and Jackie Clemence 

Outreach Coordinators: Joseph Larimer and Zulay Valencia Diaz 

Professional Development Coordinators: Nella Mareiro and Abi Magat