California has reached a settlement with the Stockton Unified School District over allegations that it discriminated against minority and disabled students.
The Department of Justice announced the agreement on Tuesday. It calls for the Central Valley district and school police to reform the way the district handles disciplinary problems with the aim of reducing arrests for minor misbehavior, such as students being disruptive in class.
A state investigation found that black and Hispanic students were far more likely to be cited or taken into custody than other students. The state also said police used unconstitutional search and seizure procedures.
The district agreed to a five-year plan to modify its training and procedures.
Superintendent John Deasy tells NBC affiliate KCRA he takes seriously "the notion of lifelong learning and not lifelong punishment."
