Fed probe launched into Gallup-McKinley school closures | Schools

 GALLUP, N.M. (AP) - A federal agency is investigating the closure of three New Mexico schools to see if the Gallup McKinley County School District violated federal civil rights laws.

The Gallup Independent reports that the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education notified parent Sonlatsa Jim-Martin last week that they had received her complaint against the school district and would investigation.

Jim-Martin is part of a group of parents and Navajo Nation officials who believe the district made a wrong decision in closing down the middle schools in Crownpoint, Tohatchi and Navajo, N.M., to make up for a projected $2.5 million shortfall.

Jim-Martin said the closures discriminate against Navajo students.

Superintendent Ray Arsenault said he's not worried about the investigation because the school district was not discriminating against anyone.

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