Parents and teachers’ union comment on the Justice Department’s WPS investigation

WICHITA, Kansas (KSNW) – Parents and teachers are speaking out about a Justice Department investigation that uncovered discrimination in Wichita Public Schools and are reviewing the district’s plan to improve those problems under Justice Department oversight.

The investigation began in spring 2022, according to Wichita Public Schools. The Department of Justice investigated all of the district’s schools and special programs from fall 2020 through spring 2023. They interviewed administrators, staff, attorneys and parents. They also reviewed school policies related to restraints, seclusion and student discipline.

The settlement with the Justice Department was far-reaching and addressed racial discrimination in discipline, isolation and restraint. It also addressed behavior and curriculum for children with disabilities.

The study found that students with disabilities were not given equal opportunities to participate.

Whitney Norris, a mother whose child has ADHD, said her daughter experienced this firsthand.

“My daughter began to exhibit behavioral problems,” Norris said.

Norris asked the school for a psychologist to help her daughter, but did not receive the intensive help she wanted. She also said her daughter was often taken out of school.

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

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

“I think when students and staff know what is expected of them and what the outcome will be, and it is consistent, it helps prevent discipline problems,” says Katie Warren, president of United Teachers of Wichita.

We contacted USD 259 and asked if they could comment on the parents’ concerns. In response, they issued the following statement to KSN:

“State and federal law prohibits us from discussing individual students. Parents with concerns may contact the school district’s Title IX coordinator at 316-973-4420. They may also visit our website at www.usd259.org/doj and use the email address provided there.”

Click here to view the district’s response to the investigation and next steps.