McEachin Echoes Call for OCR Investigation

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) wrote a letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos echoing his previous request for an investigation into the documented disparities in the treatment of students who attend school in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. Congressman McEachin has not received a response to his letter, aside from a confirmation of receipt, since the letter was sent over a month ago in March.

“I have grave concerns about disproportionately high suspension rates for African-American students and students with disabilities,” wrote Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “This has been an important issue for me since my tenure in the Virginia General Assembly. Mistreatment of students is utterly unacceptable, and the federal government has a unique role and responsibility to address and correct such injustices. All children should be treated equally and fairly.”

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Full letter text here and below.

May 3, 2017

The Honorable Betsy DeVos

Secretary

United States Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, D.C. 20202

Dear Secretary DeVos,

In March, I sent you a letter requesting that the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education investigate all documented disparities in the treatment of students who attend public schools in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. I have not yet received a response, other than to confirm receipt of my request; I would like to reiterate that original request, and to know its status.

I was pleased to see an announcement on April 17 that OCR is investigating allegations that Richmond Public Schools’ disciplinary practices discriminate against African-American students and students with disabilities. Although this investigation is a positive step towards resolving some of the issues I raised, I have concerns about its limited scope. As I explained in my original letter, there are also documented disparities at other public school systems within my district.

As I stated previously, I have grave concerns about disproportionately high suspension rates for African-American students and students with disabilities. This has been an important issue for me since my tenure in the Virginia General Assembly. Mistreatment of students is utterly unacceptable, and the federal government has a unique role and responsibility to address and help correct such injustices. All students deserve to be treated equally and fairly.

Again, I repeat my request that the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education investigate all documented disparities in the public schools of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District — whether by expanding the announced investigation, or by beginning an additional one.

I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

A. Donald McEachin

Member of Congress, VA-04

Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365