Bastrop ISD under investigation

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Bastrop ISD is under investigation following allegations the district discriminated against African-American and Hispanic employees and students.

According to Steve Murray, Superintendent of Schools, an unidentified person informed the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights the district practiced "class-wide discrimination in employment with regard to terminations, demotions, hiring, promotions and working conditions," involving African-Americans and Hispanics.

The allegations also say BISD “discriminated against African-American and Latino students, employees and applicants."

The original complaint was filed with the OCR in August 2011.

“The complainant claims that several incidents occurred where African-American and Hispanic students were allegedly ‘discriminated against’ relative to comments, actions or situations by BISD administrators, teachers, staff or other BISD students,” Murray said in a statement posted on the district’s website . “Some of these alleged incidents have already been brought to the attention of BISD officials and have been investigated fully under provisions stated in BISD Board Policy DIA regarding claims of discrimination against students and/or staff.”

According to the statement, Bastrop Middle School is mentioned several times for having allegedly discriminated against African-American students. The superintendent point out recently released test data from the Texas Education Agency showing the school made positive strides regarding academic gains among African-American students.

“We will continue to analyze data and seek instructional practices that will further close these gaps in the future, as we love, care for and want success for all students in Bastrop ISD, regardless of their race, color, ethnic origin, religion or gender,” Murray said.

The OCR will be making a site visit to examine the claims made against the district.

“We welcome their presence and scrutiny,” Murray said. “Bastrop ISD strives to be transparent in its operations and educational activities, and we will welcome the opportunity to answer allegations regarding alleged practices or incidents where students and or staff could have been treated in a less than favorable or appropriate manner.”