Newark, N.J., Schools Probed After Claims Of Race Discrimination: NEWARK, N.J., July 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Education said on Wednesday it was investigating complaints that a plan to reorganize public schools in Newark, New Jersey, discriminates against black students.
A parent-led group in New Jersey's largest city has said that school closings and conversions to charter schools under the "One Newark" plan disproportionately affect black students.
"We can confirm that the Office for Civil Rights is investigating whether the Newark Public Schools' enactment of the 'One Newark' plan at the end of the 2013-2014 school year discriminates against black students on the basis of race," an Education Department spokesman said in a statement.
The investigation began this month, the department said.
