Sep 30, 2024 Story by: Editor
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights following a compliance review that identified “persistent racial disparities” in how the district disciplines students.
The review, which analyzed data dating back to 2013, highlighted that “similarly situated” Black and white students experienced unequal treatment within JCPS’s disciplinary framework. Specifically, Black students were more likely than their white counterparts to face out-of-school suspensions for their first offense. In contrast, white students were more often permitted to apologize and engage with district staff, while Black students frequently faced “exclusionary discipline.”
Before the conclusion of the investigation, JCPS committed to several initiatives, including revising its discipline handbook, training staff on disciplinary procedures, enhancing data collection on discipline referrals, and offering guidance on placements in “alternative education environments.” Additionally, the district will conduct school climate surveys and improve communication with parents and students regarding disciplinary expectations.
The Office of Civil Rights acknowledged JCPS’s “significant changes and improvements,” including the implementation of a racial equity policy. Moving forward, JCPS will maintain various practices initiated during the investigation as part of the voluntary agreement. The district is also required to submit annual reports to the Office of Civil Rights that analyze the effectiveness of its disciplinary policies, provide discipline data, and identify staff with discipline referral patterns suggesting unfair treatment of certain students.
“We have repeatedly acknowledged the existence of some disproportionality in disciplining of students,” stated JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio. “But we have proven we are serious about racial equity and making the changes necessary to provide a positive learning environment for every student. We pledge to continue this work.”
JCPS has submitted over 75,000 documents to the Office of Civil Rights and has committed to providing additional information as required by the agreement. The letter of resolution and the resolution agreement can be accessed on the Office of Civil Rights website. Source: Courier Journal
