The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has completed an investigation into complaints against the Peoria Unified School District. The district reportedly failed to address racial harassment against its students.
OCR sent out a statement Friday saying students were harassed based on their race, color and national origin.
Their peers used racial slurs, pulled at their faces to mock certain features and drew Swastikas on photos of students’ faces.
The investigation found employees repeatedly touched and made comments about a Black student’s hair.
The district’s failure to respond effectively is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The department and the district have come to an agreement to ensure the district will take steps to create a safe environment for everyone.
