Kansas College Settles Discrimination Case with Justice Department
A Kansas community college accused of discriminatory practices aimed at reducing the number of Black student-athletes has agreed to a settlement, as revealed by the Justice Department on Monday.
The Justice Department shared in a press release that this agreement mandates Highland Community College to enhance the fairness of its disciplinary proceedings, provide additional training, and improve its mechanisms for handling student grievances.
When contacted for comment, a representative of the university did not immediately respond.
Addressing Racial Bias Allegations
This resolution stems from the Justice Department’s investigation into claims that Black students faced disproportionate searches and harsher penalties compared to their white counterparts. This unequal treatment often resulted in unjust evictions from campus housing or even expulsions, as stated in the release.
Prominent Voice against Discrimination
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department emphasized, “No college student should endure discrimination based on their race, which disrupts their educational journey.”
Legal Actions Taken
These allegations led to legal actions, with lawsuits brought forth by former coaches and athletes. The coaches’ lawsuit, settled this year, asserted that the college pressured Black student-athletes to leave and discouraged coaches from recruiting African Americans.
Additionally, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a suit claiming Highland expelled Black students for minor infractions and subjected them to unwarranted searches, surveillance, and campus harassment. As part of that case, the college agreed to pay up to $15,000 to four students and committed to offering anti-discrimination training to staff and administrators.
Campus Demographics and Lawsuit Context
Highland Community College, located about 80 miles northwest of Kansas City, Missouri, is home to roughly 3,200 students. Although African American students make up less than 6% of the student body, a significant number of student-athletes, especially from out of state, were Black until recently, according to the lawsuit.
This settlement aims to rectify these grievances and promote fairness and equality within the college community.