By McKenna Harford, Colorado Community Media
Douglas County School District is currently under federal scrutiny due to its handling of discrimination, harassment and bullying incidents targeting students based on race, ethnicity, religion or ability
The Douglas County School District is under federal investigation for its response to discrimination, harassment and bullying against students based on race, national origin, religion or disability as well as its use of seclusion and restraints for students who are differently abled.
The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the district, according to an email sent to families. Representatives from the division will be in Douglas County from Jan. 13 to 15 to interview families for the investigation.
The investigation stems in part from a lawsuit against the district over its response to discrimination and bullying of Black and biracial students at Castle Rock Middle School. Three families sued the district after their students were targeted in a group chat and called slurs and threatened with lynching.
Lacey Ganzy, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit on behalf of two of her children who faced racial discrimination, said she’s hopeful that the investigation will lead to accountability from district officials and a change in policy to protect future students.
“I’m excited to see Castle Rock and the Douglas County School District be held accountable for all of the egregious things done to these kids,” Ganzy said. “I’m most looking forward to this starting the healing process for my children.”
Ganzy said she has heard from at least five families that plan to participate in interviews about their experiences with discrimination.
“I think (the investigation) is at least opening the door for other people to come forward,” Ganzy said. “I think the community still doesn’t feel safe to come out and talk to people in the district and on the school board.”
A statement from district spokesperson Paula Hans says the district is focused on taking care of “each and every one of our students.”
“Any student or parent who has a concern should report it immediately to their school leader or DCSD’s Compliance Office,” the statement says. “We take every concern very seriously as we are dedicated to ensuring that all of our students and staff experience a welcoming and caring environment in our schools.”
Officials from the Civil Rights Division have not responded to a request for an interview.
The district also recently had to review its seclusion and restraint policies for students with disabilities after a complaint was filed with the Colorado Department of Education in 2022.
“We understand that these are sensitive topics,” the email said. “Participation of minors is allowed with a signed parental consent form or the presence of a parent or guardian.”
After an investigation, the department can choose to do nothing, enter into a settlement agreement if violations are found or sue a district.
This article was republished through a news sharing agreement with Colorado Community Media.
