LEWISTON – The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine says three groups have sent a letter to the Lewiston School Department saying the district has failed to adequately serve students of color and students with disabilities.
The Sun Journal reported that the ACLU said Tuesday that a two-year investigation concluded the department is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Zachary Heiden, of the ACLU, says no legal action is planned.
Among the groups’ concerns is that there are discipline disparities for students of color and students with disabilities compared to their white and non-disabled counterparts.
Superintendent Bill Webster says he stands by the “hard work” of Lewiston educators in striving to meet the needs of all the district’s students.
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