The settlement, which ends a federal probe, stems from a formal complaint filed against the Jefferson Parish Public School System in 2012 alleging it required proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status from Hispanic students, failed to provide interpreters for parents with limited English and overlooked racially charged bullying.
"We applaud Jefferson Parish for ensuring that all students will have access to their public schools and that all parents... are equipped with the information necessary for their children to fully participate," Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon said in a statement.
The three-year agreement between the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education and the school district will require it to change any policies dissuading non-citizens from enrolling, provide interpreters for parents and mandate that it investigate and resolve allegations of discrimination.
