A Houston coalition is preparing a civil rights complaint against Texas over the HISD takeover and its alleged impact on students with disabilities.
HOUSTON — Advocacy groups are raising serious concerns about the treatment of students with disabilities in the Houston Independent School District, threatening legal action against the state ahead of a school board meeting Monday evening.
The Greater Houston Coalition for Justice says it is preparing a third-party class action civil rights complaint against the state, stemming from concerns about the ongoing HISD takeover and alleged discrimination against students with disabilities. The group also plans to hold public hearings with parents, teachers and students affected by the takeover.
Advocates also praised a federal investigation into whether HISD is discriminating against students with disabilities.
Johnny Mata, chairman of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, was sharply critical of how the district’s changes have played out.
“The improvement they talked about has been a disaster. Who has been affected? The children.”
Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association, called on the public to apply pressure on state education officials.
“As we move through this, we need more people to stand with us and teachers in the school district to put pressure on the Texas Education Agency to return control of the Houston Independent School District back to its rightful owners, which are the people.”
Special education is expected to be a major focus at the HISD board meeting, which started at 5 p.m. Community members and possibly district leaders are also expected to speak.