The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has started an investigation into the Green Bay Area Public School District in Wisconsin. This probe focuses on allegations that the school district treated a student unfairly because of his race and disability. The student has dyslexia, and the complaint claims the district did not give him the help he needed because he is white. This case highlights serious concerns about fairness and equal access to education.
What Is the Complaint About?
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a complaint saying the Green Bay school district uses “racial priority groups” to decide which students get special education services first. According to the complaint, these priority groups include First Nations, Black, and Hispanic students. The student in question, who is white and has dyslexia, was reportedly denied timely and proper help because he was not part of these groups.
The student’s mother asked the school many times over several months to provide reading help for her son’s dyslexia. But the principal said the school focuses on helping students from certain racial groups first. The district allegedly even keeps a color-coded list by race to make sure they serve these priority groups before others.
What Laws Are Involved?
The investigation is based on two important laws that protect students from discrimination:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 says schools that get federal money cannot treat students unfairly because of their race, color, or where they come from.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) protect students from discrimination based on disabilities. Schools must provide equal access and support for students with disabilities.
Statements from Officials and Advocates
Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, said schools should never prioritize students based on skin color. Instead, students must get support based on their needs. He promised that the Education Department will thoroughly investigate the school district to make sure no one is discriminated against because of race or disability.
Cory Brewer from WILL expressed gratitude for the investigation, calling it heartbreaking that a student’s race could affect the help they receive in school. He emphasized that this is against the law and the values of fairness in America. Brewer also stated that WILL is committed to working with the Education Department to make sure all students get equal opportunities.
Why This Investigation Matters
This investigation highlights an important issue in education: every student deserves fair treatment and support, no matter their race or disability. Schools are meant to help all children succeed, especially those who need extra assistance. If true, the school district’s use of racial priority groups could mean some students are being unfairly left behind.
The laws mentioned protect students to ensure that everyone has the same chance to learn and grow. The Education Department’s investigation will look closely at whether the Green Bay Area Public School District followed these rules. The goal is to make sure all students, including those with disabilities like dyslexia, receive the support they need without discrimination.
