The U.S. Justice Department said it reached a settlement with Clay County Public Schools that will force the district to improve its English instruction to non-English speakers.
In a news release, DOJ said its investigation found that the district did not provide English learner students with the language instruction needed to become fluent in English and failed to provide non-English speaking parents with important school information in a language they could understand.
“The department also found that English learner students could not meaningfully participate in core content classes, like math, science, and social studies, and did not receive individualized academic and behavioral supports that are available to their peers,” the federal agency said. “In the face of these shortcomings, the district failed to take timely corrective action to ensure equal access.”
“Students who are learning English have the right to engage in coursework alongside their peers, and schools must take action necessary to make that right a reality,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold schools accountable when they fail to deliver on our collective promise of equality. This agreement will help ensure that English learner students in Clay County are given the tools necessary to succeed and strive in the classroom.”
The Justice Department said the district cooperated fully with its investigation and, after receiving the results of the inquiry, committed to improving its services for English learner students. As part of the settlement agreement, the district has agreed to revise its policies and improve its services so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience.
“School districts must provide English learner students with appropriate services to overcome language barriers,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are pleased that the Clay County School District has agreed to embrace its obligation to meet the language needs of its English learners so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Equal access to educational opportunities is at the heart of civil rights protections for our youth and students are entitled to equal access despite any language barriers they may have.”
