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Thursday, November 14, 2024

Justice Department reaches settlement with Providence schools over immigrant student rights

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Lisa O. Monaco Deputy Attorney General | Official Website

The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the Providence, Rhode Island, Public School District to address issues in its programs for immigrant English learner students. This agreement follows an investigation into the district's services for "newcomers," students with limited or interrupted education.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “New immigrant students and families bring great promise and a wealth of strengths to school communities, but they too often face great adversity in accessing educational opportunities.” She emphasized that federal law ensures all students, including immigrants, have the right to participate meaningfully in educational programs.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha for the District of Rhode Island criticized the district's failure to meet civil rights obligations, especially after a 2018 agreement aimed at improving conditions for English language learners. He noted Providence's history of inadequate measures necessitated a more stringent agreement focused on newcomer programs.

The investigation revealed shortcomings at the district’s Newcomer Academy, which serves over 200 students aged seventeen and older. The academy failed to provide adequate English instruction and lacked qualified staff. Students also reported segregation that limited their access to special education and other programs.

In response, the district has begun addressing these concerns. The new agreement mandates adequate English instruction and proper training for teachers in newcomer programs. It also requires translation services for parents who are not fluent in English and ensures newcomers have equal access to specialized programs alongside other students.

This settlement supersedes previous agreements under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 and highlights the Civil Rights Division's commitment to enforcing educational rights nationwide.

Further information about civil rights violations can be reported through various channels provided by the Justice Department.

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