My Story: 138 Days Away From Becoming a Juris Doctor so I can become a lawyer.

My name is Nicole Lawtone-Bowles, and I was just 138 days away from graduating law school.

I am a Black disabled woman who worked hard to pursue a legal education—not just for myself, but so I could help others, stand for justice, and be a voice for those who are often unheard.

I maintained a B- average or better, completed my coursework, and followed the rules. Because of my disabilities, I used assistive technology to complete my assignments—something I am entitled to and depend on to succeed.

But everything changed.

I was accused of academic integrity violations related to artificial intelligence. I explained that I was using assistive tools tied to my disability. My explanation was not accepted.

Despite my academic standing and being so close to the finish line, I was:

Removed from my classes

Locked out of my education

Dismissed from law school

Left with financial burden and no degree

All of this happened just months before graduation.

Why This Matters

It is already incredibly difficult for Black students to become attorneys. It is even harder for Black disabled women.

We face barriers at every level—historically from Jim Crow, through the fight for equal education in Brown v. Board of Education, and now through modern challenges like the rollback of affirmative action.

Now, even assistive technology—something meant to help disabled students—can be misunderstood and used against us.

I did everything right. I worked hard. I stayed committed.

And still, I was stopped.

Why I Need Your Help

I am raising funds to hire an attorney to fight for my rights:

To be reinstated and allowed to graduate

To challenge what I believe are civil rights and disability violations

To hold institutions accountable so this does not happen to others

This is not just about me.This is about access to education, fairness, and justice.

Please Support My Fight

If you can donate, share, or amplify my story, you are helping me continue this fight—not just to finish my degree, but to stand up for others who may face the same barriers.

I am not giving up.I am fighting to become the lawyer I worked so hard to be.

Thank you for your support.

— Nicole Lawtone-Bowles

#Justice #CivilRights #DisabilityRights #GoFundMe #LawSchool #SupportBlackWomen #EqualEducation