Rep. McEachin to DeVos: ‘Virginia Public Schools Need More from You’

WASHINGTON – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) sent a letter to Secretary DeVos about the need to focus on better protecting Virginia’s public school students following recent reports documenting Virginia’s failure to adequately address proven disparate treatment patterns and an incident just last month with a disturbing vulgar locker room video.

“Both the recent report and the egregious behavior demonstrate that we have significant problems. Our public schools need additional resources and oversight to correct systemic issues. Yet the Department of Education has rolled back some of the same policies and practices that ensure students receive needed support,” said Congressman Donald McEachin. “I previously requested a district-wide investigation of documented disparities in student treatment because we have seen a far-reaching problem in our schools. We need regulation and oversight to ensure all our children have the opportunity to succeed. Secretary DeVos, Virginia public schools need more from you.”

Mr. McEachin is a long-time advocate for Virginia public school students. Earlier this year, McEachin created the Education Task Force to continue work that he began during his time as a state legislator in the Virginia General Assembly.

“I urge the Department of Education to consider these events and similar incidents across the country as it works to uphold the law and enforce bedrock protections, wrote Congressman McEachin. “I remain profoundly alarmed by disproportionately high suspension rates for African-American students and students with disabilities in public schools. As you know, the use of exclusionary discipline practices has severely adverse effects on student outcomes. Every child deserves to be treated equally and fairly; disparate treatment of any group is unacceptable.”

Congressman McEachin requested a district-wide investigation earlier this year following the reports of disproportionate suspension rates for African-American students and students with disabilities, at public schools in multiple localities.

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Full letter text is here and below.

Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365