Bonham ISD is under investigation after a civil rights complaint was filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging that Black and Latino students, as well as former employees, faced continued racial harassment and abuse, which the district failed to address. The complaint, filed in February 2024 by civil rights groups, includes two students and claims that the district discriminated against Black students and students with disabilities by perpetuating a "racially hostile environment" and neglecting to intervene in harassment, which often occurred in front of teachers and staff.
Since the initial filing, five more students have come forward, sharing similar experiences of racial slurs and other abuse. "The district treated my son like crap, and he will have this memory the rest of his life," said Johnny Gorden, a parent of one of the students. "These were his learning years, and look what he was taught. Every one of them should be ashamed."
The complaint also includes claims that a student with a disability was harshly punished for actions related to their disability and was denied necessary accommodations. Another student reported being repeatedly called racial slurs, and despite complaints to the principal, the harassment continued. A former custodian at Bonham High School alleged that a student hung a noose in the school gym and used racial slurs against custodians and other staff members.
Additionally, the complaint asserts that white students who engaged in similar conduct were not disciplined as harshly as their Black and Latino peers.
The civil rights groups are requesting that the Department of Justice conduct an investigation into the district's handling of these incidents.
