DOJ Announces Agreement with Clay County to Protect Civil Rights of English Language Learners

Northeast Florida school district receives guidance from Department of Justice on the protection of students whose first language is not English.

The Department of Justice stated that Clay County failed to provide English language learners with fluency instruction, failed to provide non-English speaking parents with information in their native language, and failed to help students learn basic content; and failed to provide academic and behavioral support.

“English-language learners have a right to participate in classes with their peers, and schools must take the steps necessary to make that right a reality,” said Deputy Attorney General Kristen Clarke Department of Justice Civil Rights Division“This agreement will help ensure that English language learners in Clay County have the tools they need to succeed and excel in the classroom.”

“School districts must provide English-language learners with appropriate services to overcome language barriers,” U.S. Attorney General said Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are pleased that the Clay County School District has agreed to accept its responsibility to meet the language needs of its English Language Learners so that students can learn English and fully participate in the district’s educational experience. Equal access to educational opportunities is at the heart of protecting the civil rights of our youth, and students have the right to equal access despite any language barriers they may have.”

The district has noted that graduation rates and English proficiency among students learning the language have risen in recent years, in its defense, but the Justice Department has said data collection flaws make it impossible to assess how significant those changes are.

Clay will need to develop an English language learning program, train ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers, offer English language tutoring to increase proficiency, and use an interpreter or interpreters for parents who are not fluent in English.

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