Feds to probe DeSoto County Schools disciplinary practices
HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) – Now that the U.S. Department of Education has agreed to investigation allegations of discriminatory disciplinary practices by Mississippi’s largest public school district, parents and students are hoping for changes soon.
The Commercial Appeal reports those initiating the charges discussed the case during a conference call Tuesday. According to Washington, D.C.-based Advancement Project, the education department’s Office of Civil Rights confirmed last Thursday it would proceed with a formal investigation.
School officials said Tuesday they’ve cooperated fully for more than a year, and have not heard from the civil rights office since December. The system says it is unaware of any new action.
Cassandra Norwood, the mother of a 9-year-old third-grader at DeSoto Central Elementary in Southaven, says the decision is a great opportunity to examine whether they’re part of a flawed system.
