MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice have reached a settlement with the Owatonna school district over alleged harassment of Somali students.
According to Tuesday's agreement, the district will work to ensure students are protected. Among other things, it will issue an anti-harassment statement to students, parents and staff, and it will train staff about discrimination.
The district will also give annual compliance reports to the education and justice departments for three years.
The settlement stems from a complaint alleging Somali students were harassed at the high school, culminating with a November 2009 incident in which 11 white and Somali students fought. The investigation found Somali students received disproportionate discipline.
Superintendent Tom Tapper says the district will continue its commitment to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
