Providence, R.I. — The Providence Public School District has reached an agreement to provide all immigrant students with proper English language instruction. This comes after concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding inadequate education for more than 200 students in the district’s Newcomer Academy.
The Newcomer Academy, which serves immigrant students aged 17 and older, aims to offer accelerated learning opportunities in English, including reading, writing, and speaking. However, DOJ investigators found that the district failed to provide sufficient English language instruction to these students.
Kristen Clarke, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, emphasized the importance of equal education for immigrant students. “Schools too often restrict access for newcomers or place them in segregated programs with limited opportunities,” Clarke said. “Federal law guarantees that all students, including immigrants, have the right to participate in educational programs.”
The DOJ’s investigation revealed that many students at the Newcomer Academy had petitioned during the 2023-2024 school year, expressing their desire for better English instruction. The investigation also found that the district had failed to provide qualified teachers and staff and had not integrated immigrant students into general education programs.
In addition to concerns over English language instruction, the DOJ found that students were denied access to special education services and career programs, which were available to other students.
Under the settlement, the Providence School District has agreed to improve English language instruction, ensure immigrant students have access to specialized programs, and promote integration with native English speakers. The district will also provide translated materials and interpretation services for the parents of immigrant students.
This agreement replaces a previous arrangement from 2018 and addresses potential violations of the U.S. Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974.
The Providence School District has expressed its commitment to cooperating with the DOJ and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the educational opportunities they are entitled to.
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