Justice Dept.: Ellensburg School District failed to protect students

The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement with the Ellensburg School District following an investigation that uncovered systemic failures in protecting students from harassment and discrimination. The DOJ found that Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ students experienced significant harassment, including intimidation and physical assaults. Despite the district's awareness of these issues, it failed to take adequate action.

The settlement mandates the district to hire a third-party consultant, create an electronic reporting system for harassment complaints, and provide training for staff and students on identifying and reporting harassment. U. S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref emphasized that this agreement will help foster a supportive school environment, reinforcing the DOJ's commitment to ensuring schools are safe havens for all students.