Calls for change have intensified within the Carroll Independent School District following a federal report that uncovered civil rights violations against students amidst allegations of racism and bullying.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Russell Maryland emphasized, “Carroll ISD, Carroll school board specifically, you’re now on the clock.” Maryland, along with other former and current Carroll ISD families representing CREED (Cultural and Racial Equity for Every Dragon) and SARC (Southlake Anti-Racism Coalition), urged the district to engage in constructive negotiations with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to seek resolution.
Pam Francis, a parent, stated, “We know OCR only invites parties to negotiate when they’ve found civil rights violations.”
Angela Jones, one of the complainants on behalf of her youngest son, shared her distressing experiences, revealing instances where her son was subjected to racial slurs during his ninth and tenth grade years.
The complaints filed by CREED and SARC detail incidents of racial slurs, homophobic remarks, and other forms of verbal and physical harassment based on race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. They assert that the administration failed to adequately intervene in these situations, contributing to a hostile environment for marginalized students.
Failure to collaborate with the Department of Education to address these issues could result in a loss of federal funding and send a discouraging message to minority students and their families considering relocation to Southlake.
Anya Kushwasha, a Carroll ISD graduate and SARC member, emphasized the importance of implementing long-overdue changes, including diversity and inclusion training, establishing a robust harassment complaint system, recruiting a diverse staff, and tracking incidents of bullying and attacks.
Carroll ISD Superintendent Dr. Lane Ledbetter previously assured compliance with changes ordered by the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights, acknowledging the need for reform. The district has 90 days to reach an agreement with the Department of Education.
NBC 5 has reached out to the district for comment and awaits a response.
