Advocacy group files federal complaint against Philly schools in Asian student attacks

Federal complaint filed in Philly school attacks

PHILADELPHIA — An advocacy group has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the Philadelphia school district in response to a series of attacks on Asian students.

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund filed the civil rights complaint Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Justice. That’s according to Cecilia Chen, an attorney for the group.

The complaint says the district acted with “deliberate indifference” toward harassment of Asian students and failed to prevent the Dec. 3 attacks at South Philadelphia High School.

School officials say 10 students were suspended over the attacks, which hurt about 30 Asian students. Dozens of students later boycotted classes for eight days.

The district has since added more security officers and cameras. A school spokesman did not immediately comment Tuesday.