Community leaders accuse HISD of discrimination over closed campuses

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Community leaders who have accused the Houston Independent School District of discrimination say a federal investigation is now underway.

The group of parents, civic club presidents and advocates says the Department of Education is now looking into allegations that inaccurate student population data was used in determining which school should be shut down or repurposed. According to information the group says it received from HISD, 42 of 74 schools closed or repurposed between 2001 and 2012 were in minorities communities.

HISD has not independently confirmed those numbers for Eyewitness News.

HISD would not comment specifically on these allegations. The district says it is responding to a request made by the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

A spokesperson says the district takes complaints of discrimination seriously.

Mariana Navarro, HISD media relations, says in part, "We believe that once the OCR has all the information it needs, HISD's intent of providing the best schools for all children will be clear."

The Department of Education says it tries to resolve most civil rights complaints within six months of receipt.