HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected an appeal in a lawsuit that blames the state for poor reading skills of students in Highland Park.

In a brief order, the justices last week declined to take the case.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued to get court-ordered improvements in the Highland Park district, next to Detroit. The ACLU says the state constitutional rights of students are being violated if they’re not getting the help they need.

A Wayne County judge said the case could go to trial, but the Michigan appeals court reversed that decision last year. It acknowledged that Highland Park had “abysmally failed” students but said it would be “difficult if not impossible” for courts to come up with remedies for poor reading skills.