Framingham 'Working Cooperatively' with Feds on Civil Rights Investigation

Editor’s Note: The Framingham Public Schools published this “press release” on its website Thursday afternoon, after Framingham Patch published a report at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning about the investigation. The press release was not sent to Patch. Below is the complete statement published on the district’s website.

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Framingham Public Schools’ administration and staff are working cooperatively with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Region I (OCR) to investigate allegations of harassment. The district has recently submitted an initial report to OCR as requested and will work with them until the issue is resolved.

The complaint alleged that the District failed to adequately respond to staff, student and parent/guardian complaints of alleged harassment, including bullying, intimidation and physical assault. The complaint alleged the District did not provide students and parents with meaningful and timely information regarding the alleged harassment and any resulting punishment in a language they understand.

The complaint alleged that the District subjected students to different treatment on the basis of their national origin.

The Framingham Public School District received a letter from OCR on July 30, 2015 indicating that they were opening an investigation based on a complaint filed against the District.

The complaint focuses on English Language Learner (ELL) students enrolled at Framingham High School during the spring of 2015.

A full report of actions taken by the high school administration past and present has been provided to OCR to assist them in processing this complaint.