Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | January 10, 2024 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) joined the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the National Lawyers Guild (NLG-SFBA), and the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) in filing a Title VI civil rights complaint against Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) in response to SCUSD’s well-reported discriminatory conduct, which has created a hostile educational environment for Palestinian and Arab students, parents, and educators.
“Our primary concern is ensuring the district upholds every student’s fundamental right to a safe and respectful learning atmosphere, free of discrimination and censorship,” said ADC Legal Director Chris Godshall-Bennett. “ADC stands ready to protect the rights of those facing discrimination and to ensure schools respect their obligations under Title VI and the First Amendment. We believe no student, parent, or educator should be silenced for expressing their identity or advocating for human rights. Perhaps school administrators would benefit from a reminder about the fundamental fairness the children in their care so clearly understand.”
The complaint has been filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. ADC and its partner organizations remain committed to advocating for students and families until these issues are fully resolved and equitable measures are put in place to protect the civil rights of all.