Allegations Of Discrimination Prompt Probe Of Montclair Schools

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Federal officials are investigating the Montclair Public School District after they received allegations about discrimination, records show.

The U.S. Department of Education Office For Civil Rights (OCR) publishes a list of elementary-secondary and post-secondary institutions that are currently under investigation. The list can be seen online here.

When a school or district is named on the list, it means that the OCR has initiated an investigation of a case concerning that institution. Inclusion on the list does not mean that the OCR has made a decision about the case. Learn more about how the agency processes complaints here.

On March 4, the OCR opened four separate counts involving the Montclair school district. They include allegations about:

• Disability - Denial of Benefits
• Disability - Restraint and Seclusion
• Title VI - Assignment of Students
• Title VI - Denial of Benefits

Patch reached out to Montclair school administrators for comment about the OCR investigation. We received the following reply from Superintendent Jonathan Ponds:

“The district does not/cannot comment on pending litigation and other legal matters, however the [school] board and administration comply with federal and state laws as well as board policy in treating all people fairly, suitably and with respect.”

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