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After receiving a complaint in 2020 from K’iché-speaking students and families, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into the New Bedford Public Schools to see how the Massachusetts school district was addressing the needs of people of indigenous Mayan descent. Complainants alleged that the district was in violation of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. §& 1701 et seq., which requires schools to take “appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs."
The school district cooperated throughout the investigation and agreed to a settlement, issued on September 15, 2022, which required additional staff training, translation services, and ongoing reporting specific to English Language Learners. The district has agreed to submit regular reports through October 1, 2025.
Summary Authors
Robin Peterson (11/16/2022)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 1:39 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Closing Date: Nov. 30, 2025
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
New Bedford Public Schools, School District
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Other Dockets:
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed
Relief Granted:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Content of Injunction:
Order Duration: 2023 - 2025
Issues
General/Misc.:
Affected Language(s):