The Florida Civil Rights Association (FCRA) has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the closure of three schools in Brevard County, the group announced Monday.
Last month, Brevard County School District hatched a plan to close South Lake Elementary School in Titusville, Gardendale Elementary School on Merritt Island, and Clearlake Middle School in Cocoa. The schools are located in the heart of the African American community.
“These sham closings are an attempt by the School District to evade its duty to help these struggling schools succeed, especially when it comes to schools located in the African American community” said, J. Willie David, III, the organization’s president. The school board voted to keep Sea Park Elementary School in Satellite Beach open after the school district claimed the closing of four schools was needed to offset the district’s $30 million deficit. The Florida Civil Rights Association calls into question why Sea Park Elementary was treated differently than the three schools facing closure next year, added David.
The lawsuit filed today to halt the School District’s questionable action is only the first step. Our investigation into the District’s discriminatory practices and policies is far from over, David said.
Shayan Elahi of Orlando, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, alleges that the District has violated state and federal laws; and has violated the civil rights of the plaintiffs because their proposed action disproportionately targets African American student populations.
“Proposed school closings and relocations will disproportionately affect minority students in the District. It will have a profound and distressing impact on our communit,” said Elahi. “Our children have been devastated by their decision and they have been left voiceless.”
Later today, FCRA, religious and community leaders, along with area residents, will hold a press conference at the Brevard County Court, Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center, in Viera, Florida, to announce the filing of the lawsuit.
The civil rights group also said that the School Board has repeatedly ignored the community’s concerns regarding limited access to after school academic support as well as extracurricular activities. “The Board and Superintendent have been reckless with the future of our children and ignored the effects on the minority populations most affected by their decisions,” the group added.
