Equity & Diversity News in Brief

Rape Charges Dropped Against Undocumented Students

By Corey Mitchell — May 09, 2017 1 min read
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Sexual assault charges will be dropped against two undocumented immigrant students accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in a bathroom stall at a high school in Rockville, Md.—a case that stoked the national debate on immigration.

The case captured the attention of the White House, sparked fear among parents, and raised questions about public schools’ legal obligation to educate students regardless of their immigration status. It was cited by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer as an example of why President Donald Trump is cracking down on illegal immigration.

The two students—both of them recent arrivals to the United States from Central America—were enrolled in a special program for English-learners at the high school.

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A version of this article appeared in the May 10, 2017 edition of Education Week as Rape Charges Dropped Against Undocumented Students

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