ST. LOUIS — Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is accusing three area school districts of discriminatory practices.
The allegations involve hiring, students' clubs and gifted programs.
Bailey sent cease and desist letters to Webster Groves, Lindbergh and Parkway School Districts on Sunday.
He claims his office has received reports of religious and race-based discrimination against students and staff.
The AG's letter to the Webster Groves School District claims officials there have instituted race-based criteria for its employees and applicants.
The letter goes on to claim, if the reports are true, Webster Groves is breaking both state and federal law and added that using race information to make hiring decisions violates the law.
A district spokesperson fired back, calling the letter "ridiculous," and said the district does not discriminate in its hiring practices. The statement goes onto say, "However, the District is interested in having a diverse faculty to serve as educators to our diverse student population and is willing to take the effort to attract, support and retain that staff."
Bailey's letter to Lindbergh accuses the district of implementing race-based criteria for students applying for its gifted program and giving different requirements for under-represented students.
The AG claims, in the letter, Lindbergh's policy states its goal is to "reach a 20% equity index for underrepresented student populations."
On Monday, Lindbergh issued the following statement in response to Bailey's letter:
"The Attorney General does not have any legal grounds for his objection to Lindbergh Schools’ procedures to identify students for gifted education services, and we are deeply disappointed that he did not reach out to us first to obtain accurate information before posturing on social media with a statement that is not grounded in facts.
"Lindbergh’s program complies with all state and federal requirements and does not discriminate against any individual or group of students. We want to be very clear that every student who meets the selection requirements is admitted, and there is no limit on students accessing Lindbergh’s gifted education programs. Contrary to what is implied by the Attorney General’s letter, 10% of Lindbergh students qualify for gifted education programs, which is more than double the national average. This letter appears to be based on a misunderstanding about the program.
"Our process complies with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements and expectations, state and federal law, and educational best practices. All students must meet IQ requirements established by the state of Missouri for gifted student selection.
Again, we are disappointed in the Attorney General’s politically motivated statement, which is not based in fact, and we will provide an informational response to the Attorney General in the near future."
The letter sent to Parkway Schools claims the district has prevented students from forming religious-based clubs.
Bailey specifically names the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club and claims Parkway prohibited the club from using the campus announcement system, hanging posters or holding meets on campus.
Parkway issued the following statement Monday about Bailey's letter:
"These accusations are unfounded.
"In fact, all four Parkway high schools have active and long-standing Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs. We have other active faith-based student clubs in our high schools, including the Jewish Student Union, Muslim Student Union and Catholic Faith Club.
"We know when students have activities that are meaningful to them personally and create a sense of belonging, they are more successful at school. Parkway is committed to supporting the diversity of religions represented in our student bodies and providing clubs and activities to support their interests and needs."
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.