Asian advocates plan federal complaint after school attacks on Philly students

Rights complaint planned in Philly school attacks

PHILADELPHIA — A national Asian American advocacy organization says it plans to file a federal civil rights complaint against the Philadelphia School District after a series of attacks on Asian students at a high school.

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund said Friday that it would accuse the Philadelphia School District of violating the equal protection rights of the students.

Dozens of students have been boycotting classes at South Philadelphia High School. They say that the Dec. 3 assaults were racially motivated and that the school hasn’t done enough to prevent the violence.

The principal has apologized to students. The school says it is getting better security and plans diversity programs.

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman says she wants to meet with students and their parents after they return to school.