LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Fayette County Public Schools announced it’s not signing a letter from the U.S. Department of Education to certify its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In a joint statement from FCPS Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins and FCPS School Board Chair Tyler Murphy, they clarify the school district has already been complying with Title VI and will continue to do so.
“We will also continue to support and defend the programs that help our students — all of our students — reach their full potential. That is a commitment that has not and will not change,” they said.
On April 3rd, the U.S. Department of Education sent out the letter requesting that all State Education Agencies certify their compliance with Title VI.
FCPS says officials did not sign it.
Below is the full statement from Murphy and Liggins on the decision:
“For our community, we want to reaffirm that Fayette County Public Schools remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive.
FCPS is a mission-driven organization — not only because federal law requires it, but because it is our moral obligation to the children we serve. We are entrusted with the education and care of more than 42,000 students, and we take that responsibility seriously. As one of the largest employers and an economic driver in our community, we are committed to making decisions that uplift and unify rather than divide and demean. Any action that undermines that trust would be a disservice not only to our students and families, but also to the greater Lexington community, and run counter to our shared mission.
Our decisions are grounded in data, driven by student needs, and defined by outcomes. We use data to determine where and how to allocate resources to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their race, language, income level, or background. That includes maintaining and supporting programs specifically designed to address barriers, close opportunity gaps, and support the unique strengths and challenges of each student.
As we affirm each year, we continue to fully comply with the requirements of Title VI and all civil rights laws, not simply as a legal obligation, but as a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. We will also continue to support and defend the programs that help our students — all of our students — reach their full potential. That is a commitment that has not and will not change.”
Click on to read Chairman Tyler Murphy’s Facebook post, clarifying FCPS’s stand on compliance:
