The Arkansas Department of Education has recently received two (2) letters from the U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division (DOJ) concerning recurrent issues that it is dealing within the area of student rights. The first letter addresses instances of violence and discrimination directed against Muslim, Arab, Sikh and South-Asian students, motivated by religious or national origin intolerance. The second letter advises of recurrent issues involving extra-curricular activities, specifically, the allocation of awards and honors on the basis of race. Both letters stress that the practices described are inconsistent with federal law. Copies of the letters are provided in PDF format as attachments to this memo. Adobe Reader is necessary in order to view the documents. Adobe Reader may be installed free by visiting www.adobe.com.
Please carefully read the attached letters and ensure that the application of local school district policies and procedures, both formal and informal, do not result in the types of violations described in the letters. The continued operation of local schools as places where respect for, and appreciation of, all students is fostered and encouraged is greatly appreciated.
For further information, contact:
Scott Smith (dssmith@arkedu.k12.ar.us) at 501-682-4227 or
Tripp Walter (twalter@arkedu.k12.ar.us) at 501-683-0087.