MINNEAPOLIS – The U.S. Department of Education will look into reports of harassment against Somali students in several Minnesota public schools.

Spokesman Justin Hamilton confirms that investigators from the department’s Office of Civil Rights will travel to Minnesota to gather facts on allegations. Most were in the St. Cloud area but at least one was in Owatonna.

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations requested the federal inquiry. A separate St. Cloud school district investigation confirmed some of the allegations, though Hamilton says federal officials will not presume guilt. Hamilton said the department can examine allegations of discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

If investigators confirm allegations, the agency would likely work with schools to improve the climate.

Source: Associated Press