Advertisement Boston Latin School violated Civil Rights Act, U.S. Attorney's Office says School did not consistently apply policies Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A months-long investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office has found that one of Boston's premier schools violated the Civil Rights Act. Watch the reportThe office concluded its investigation Monday into the alleged civil rights violations at Boston Latin School and found one violation of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination against students based on race by public schools. The violation involved the school's mishandling of its reviews of allegations that a male student addressed a female black student during class by using a racial slur and threatening to lynch her with an electrical cord. It also raised concerns about the school's response to two other racially charged incidents and that the school did not consistently apply policies and procedures in relation to student discipline. A resolution was reached between the office and Boston Public Schools, which stated Boston Public Schools will adopt a comprehensive strategy to address and prevent racial harassment at Boston Latin School. ““The Boston Public Schools (BPS) is committed to ensuring that Boston Latin School — along with all of our schools — fosters a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for each and every student," BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang said in a statement. "We and the leadership of Boston Latin School are fully committed to implementing the recommendations in the voluntary resolution agreement reached with the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure all reports of racial bias are fully, promptly and effectively addressed at Boston Latin and every Boston public school."Statement from U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz“Boston Latin School is one of the most prestigious public high schools in the nation. Its rich history and well-deserved reputation for academic excellence make it vital that the school provide a supportive learning environment where students of all races can learn without fear of harassment or discrimination,” said U. S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz in a statement.“All students should feel welcome and safe at BLS regardless of their racial background. Today’s resolution will help ensure that Boston Latin responds thoroughly and appropriately to complaints of race-based discrimination and provides a dynamic and racially and ethnically sensitive learning space for the extraordinary students who pass through its doors. We commend Boston Public Schools for its cooperation and we are confident that the District will continue its work to foster an inclusive climate for all students.”Get the WCVB News App