Allegations of racial discrimination have prompted a federal investigation into Fayette County Public Schools. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has begun gathering testimony.
Fayette County Human Rights Commission director Raymond Sexton says official complaints by black employees with the district number around 6, but the organization is aware of between 15 to 20.
"They have provided allegations that African-American employees are not receiving equal pay in the same jobs performing the same positions," he says. "Also hiring, that there's a disproportionate number of African-Americans hired school system wide."
The complaints – which date back to the early aughts – were handed over to the EEOC, which is better equipped to handle class cases.
Should the investigation turn up evidence of systemic discrimination with regard to pay equity and recruitment, Sexton says the matter could end up before a hearing officer and damages could be awarded, as with a typical court proceeding.
Fayette County Public Schools has yet to comment on the allegations.
