Parents, teachers’ union weigh in on USD 259 DOJ investigation

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—Parents and teachers are weighing in on a Department of Justice investigation that found discrimination in Wichita Public Schools. They are reviewing the district’s plan to improve those issues under the supervision of the DOJ.

The investigation started in spring 2022, according to Wichita Public Schools. The DOJ looked at all of the schools in the district and special programs from the fall of 2020 to the spring of 2023. They interviewed administrators, staff, advocates, and parents. They also reviewed school policies for restraint, seclusion, and student discipline.

The settlement with the DOJ was wide-ranging, dealing with racial discrimination in discipline, seclusion and restraints. It also talks about behavior and classroom plans for kids with disabilities.

The investigation found students with disabilities did not get equal opportunities to participate.

Whitney Norris, a parent whose child has ADHD, said her daughter experienced that firsthand.

“My daughter started having more behavioral needs,” said Norris.

Norris asked the school for a psychologist to help with her daughter, but didn’t get as intensive of help as she wanted. She also said that her daughter ended up getting taken out of school often.

“She was five and six at Mueller. Five and six and getting suspended every two weeks for simple things as doing this,” said Norris.

The union representing Wichita teachers said that they believe the standardized code of conduct the district is working on will help prevent unequal consequences.

“I think that when students and staff know what’s expected and what the outcome is going to be and it’s consistent, I think it’s going to help prevent discipline issues,” said Katie Warren, the president of United Teachers of Wichita.

We did reach out to USD 259 to ask if they could comment on parents’ concerns. In response, they gave KSN the following statement:

“State and federal laws prohibit us from discussing individual students.  Any parent who has concerns can bring them to the school district’s Title IX Coordinator at 316-973-4420 . They can also go to our website, www.usd259.org/doj and use the email address on that site.”

To see the district’s response to the investigation and steps moving forward, click here.

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