Posted on behalf of Empower DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 10, 2014

CONTACT: Parisa Norouzi, Empower DC (202) 234-9119 x 100

DEPOSITIONS BEGIN IN DC SCHOOL CLOSURES CASE

Chancellor among key government witnesses to be deposed, public invited to submit questions

Depositions of key government officials have begun in the case against the closure of DC public schools.

The case of Shannon Smith et al Vs Kaya Henderson et al was filed last March by members of Empower DC as part of an effort to stop the closure of 15 DC Public Schools in low income communities of color. After a hearing on May10th, Federal court Judge Boasberg did not grant a temporary injunction and the closure of 13 DC Public Schools was allowed to go forward last fall, however the court has yet to issue a final ruling on the merits of the case and litigation on the issue continues. The Judge upheld the plaintiff’s core complaints, saying in his opinion “..the parents and guardians have alleged sufficient facts to state claims of discrimination under the three civil-rights provisions at the heart of their case: the Equal Protection Clause, Title VI, and the D.C. Human Rights Act.”

Today, as civil rights attorney Johnny Barnes prepares to depose Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson under oath on February 21st, Empower DC launched a call for the public to submit “Questions for Kaya.” People impacted by the closures or others with information pertaining to the inner workings of DCPS are invited send in questions via twitter (to @empowerdc), email (to Daniel@empowerdc.org) or by calling an anonymous phone hotline (202-234-9119 x 106).

Communities throughout the nation have mobilized to fight the closure of dozens of public schools, predominately in low income communities of color, in cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. To date, Empower DC’s suit is the first in the nation to have withstood dismissal and entered the discovery phase.

“We have begun pouring through thousands and thousands of internal DCPS documents and emails received during discovery,” said Attorney Barnes. “The content provides a window into the infrastructure that was responsible for decision making within DCPS. We look forward to these depositions with expectations that we will learn even more about that which motivated the closing of schools.”

“In this case Empower DC exemplifies David going against the Goliath of not just DCPS and the District government, but the large, powerful and wealthy network including the likes of the Waltons and the Gates’ who drive privatization-based school reform throughout the country,” said Parisa Norouzi, Executive Director of Empower DC. “It is no secret to us that there is more then meets the eye with regard to public education in DC. Being the nation’s capital we have been used as a laboratory for the so-called “reform” movement. The proceedings of our lawsuit will bring that to light.”

Empower DC’s members continue their campaign to save community schools, and the neighborhoods that depend upon them. “Our members never gave up their fight,” continued Norouzi. “The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that a court is empowered to order that schools be reopened, where discrimination has been found. We continue to believe that it is possible schools like Ferebee-Hope Elementary will be reopened at the end of this fight – as would be the fitting tribute to the parents and students who have been champions for their community.”