Bastrop ISD to be investigated for racial discrimination

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop ISD is under the microscope stemming from allegations the district discriminated against African-Americans and Hispanics.

The U. S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Office will handle the investigation and will make a site visit to find out if the claims are true.

The district is accused of unfair hiring practices, and allowing hostile environments for minority workers and students.

The complaint was made nearly two years ago by Steve Miller, a Bastrop ISD parent. He says a diversity committee was created one year ago and has only met twice.

"I will ask them to talk to the workers and teachers who are being called the 'N-word,'" Miller said of the investigation, and "Talk to the students who have been told you're going to grow up selling drugs like other black boys."

Bastrop ISD says it embraces diversity and does not tolerate discrimination. They were not talking to local media Friday but issued a statement saying they take allegations seriously and are cooperating with the Department of Education.

Miller hopes so.

"You have to, you have to cooperate with the federal government," he said. "I'm not sure what happens if they don't but for the sake of the community, the workers and students I hope they do."

Investigators are scheduled to visit Bastrop February 25.