Education Department launches probe into Arkansas district over race-based discipline guidance

The Education Department disclosed that Fayetteville Public Schools in Arkansas is under a civil-rights investigation after the OCR released guidance prohibiting any use of race in student discipline. Superintendent John Mulford expressed surprise, noting the district received notice only two hours before the public announcement and maintains that its policies are applied uniformly. The new guidance, signed by OCR head Kimberly Richey, labels race-based disciplinary considerations as illegal, overturning earlier Obama-era advice that urged schools to monitor racial disparities.

Civil-rights advocates argue that the change will hide inequities, while the department claims it will prevent “racial balancing.” Fayetteville and Milwaukee Public Schools are the only districts named, though details of the Milwaukee case remain unclear. Mulford said the district will cooperate and correct any issues if found.