The U.S. Department of Education has concluded a civil rights investigation of a school district in Eastern Shasta County. Allegations were made that Fall River Joint Unified School District discriminated against Native American students. An analysis of records from 2013 through 2023 apparently showed that Native American students were more than 10 times more likely than white students to be given the most severe discipline, including expulsion, transfer to an alternative school or referral to law enforcement. In the 2022/23 school year, 12% of the student body was Native American and they made up 22.8% of suspensions and 55.8% of the more severe discipline. To resolve the investigation, the district has agreed to measures that include establishing a stakeholder equity committee with Pit River Tribal Members, and employing a director to oversee the district’s discipline practices.
-Steve Gibson