NW Valley Times

The Peoria Unified School District finds itself embroiled in controversy after the examination of a federal grant application. 

Allegations of discriminatory practices are circulating with regards to the district's handling of funds earmarked for School-Based Health Centers, with a particular focus on language found within the grant application for the centers.  

An excerpt from the grant application highlighted the initiative's intention to "place at least 3 graduate students from diverse backgrounds that are reflective of the student population, or the communities served by Peoria Unified, to support high-need LEAs." Concerns have also been raised about the qualifications of social workers funded by the grant, including their licensing status as mental health practitioners.  

This excerpt has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with some parents interpreting it as evidence of discrimination based on skin color, which could also have sweeping consequences for students seeking assistance at the centers. 

Jeff Tobey, a veteran police officer and a candidate running for the school board, expressed his dismay over the language in the grant application. 

Tobey, who has four children enrolled in the district, condemned what he perceived as discriminatory practices. 

"It's just plain and damning as a parent and somebody with a background in law enforcement," Tobey told NW Valley News. 

"Peoria wants to move forward with asking for federal monies and further engage in discriminatory practices. I just don't think that's right. I don't think it's legal," he said. 

Tobey dissected the implications of the grant's language and its potential violation of civil rights legislation. 

"When I read through those regulations and it says things such as, social workers and school counselors have to be selected or they get points in an application process when you select based on diversity and it even expands on diversity, talking about how diverse backgrounds are reflective of the community identities, race, ethnicity, abilities and cultures of the students at that school they serve," Tobey said.

He further criticized the district's track record, referencing a previous judgment against Peoria Unified School District by the Office of Civil Rights. 

--Tobey also raised concerns about the qualifications of personnel employed through the grant. 

"There's roughly 30 social workers that are basically funded through this state safety grant, and only nine of them are licensed by the state to practice mental health," he said.

In light of these revelations, Tobey emphasized the importance of holding the school board accountable. 

"The answer is to vote out the board that supports School-Based Mental Health Clinics, violating state licensure statutes and also, amongst other things," he said.

As the controversy deepens, the Peoria Unified School District faces mounting pressure to address the allegations of discrimination and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.  

Heather Rooks, a parent and former school board candidate who tweets under the name Heather Rooks The Peoria Mom, pointed out the issue on X. 

Rooks expressed concerns regarding the district's utilization of a federal grant from the Biden Administration to establish School-Based Health Centers, accusing the district of discrimination based on skin color.

“Peoria Unified is discriminating based on skin color with a federal grant from the Biden Administration and turning their schools into School Based Health Centers. They are asking Board members to vote on discrimination tonight!” she said on X. 

Her post included a snippet from the federal grant application. 

In the text of the federal grant, it notes that it “will work with IHEs to identify and place at least 3 graduate students from diverse backgrounds that are reflective of the student population, or the communities served by Peoria Unified, to support high-need LEAs.” 

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Education found that Peoria Unified School District neglected to address racial harassment incidents, violating students' civil rights. 

The investigation revealed disturbing instances of peer harassment, including racial slurs, mocking police killings of Black people and targeting Asian students with offensive gestures. 

The district's ineffective response led to significant harm for the affected students, prompting federal intervention, thus the increased standards of reporting. 

The way race plays into the education sector changed after June 29, 2023, when the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling, rejecting affirmative action programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. 

The decision, passed by a 6-3 vote, signaled a significant shift in higher education policies, with implications for diversity efforts and student demographics at elite institutions.  

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. declared the race-conscious admissions programs unlawful, citing concerns of racial stereotyping and a lack of measurable objectives.