Henry County’s school discipline policies scrutinized

U.S. Justice Department officials recently visited Henry County to talk to school district officials, parents and attorneys after some complained the school system’s student disciplinary practices are too harsh and show racial disparities in punishment.

The federal visit comes amid an ongoing U.S. Education Department investigation of the school district for possible racial and disability discrimination.

Henry County school officials dismiss the criticism, citing data that shows disciplinary hearings have declined from 919 during the 2011-12 school year to 606 so far this school year.