Federal authorities have initiated a civil rights investigation into the Houston Independent School District (HISD), which is currently under state control, concerning its plan to relocate students with disabilities into separate campuses. This move could potentially isolate them from their peers.
Earlier this week, Houston ISD Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole revealed that some students with disabilities will be transferred to different schools next academic year, where they will receive education in a “contained” setting. This strategy aims to centralize special education services by consolidating programs that are currently spread across multiple campuses. It is important to note that most special education students will remain unaffected by these changes.
According to Hole, these adjustments are designed to enhance instructional quality for students with disabilities by providing more opportunities for individualized attention in smaller group settings.
However, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is scrutinizing whether this strategy contradicts federal laws mandating that students with disabilities be educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible.
“Schools cannot exclude students with disabilities simply because of their disability status. Placement decisions must be made individually, based on each student’s needs, rather than by blanket policies that segregate students by disability category,” stated Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “The allegations described here are alarming.”
The Houston ISD has not yet issued a response regarding the ongoing investigation. However, information on the district’s website emphasizes that student services will adhere closely to individualized education plans (IEPs), outlining the specific needs of each student.
Concerns have been raised by Houston families about the potential loss of social skill development for their children if they are removed from general education classrooms. Parents are also apprehensive about the prospect of longer transportation times to these alternative campuses, which may pose challenges for children with medical and behavioral needs.
Historically, Houston ISD has faced difficulties in adequately supporting over 20,000 students who qualify for special education services. A 2020 investigation by the Texas Education Agency revealed “systemic and widespread” noncompliance with special education laws within the district.
Approximately ten years ago, federal reviews indicated that Texas had failed to properly educate numerous students with disabilities, with the state having quietly imposed a cap on the percentage of students schools could classify as needing special education services.
Since June 2023, Houston ISD has been under state oversight due to ongoing issues with poor academic performance. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has stated that for the district to regain local control, it must not only improve academic outcomes but also ensure that its special education programs comply with both state and federal regulations.
