During this cursory investigation, we learned about events that answered some of our questions in this troubling case. In 1996, the special education department of Clark County submitted to an independent audit. After the auditors released their report, top-level special ed administrators destroyed documents, stonewalled, and attacked the auditors. The director of special education threatened to sue a parent advocate on claims of defamation and conspiracy. She wrote a letter to the School Board about intimidation and civil rights violations.
Staff often fear reprisal for their actions.
The Feds, the Nevada Legislature, the Nevada Dept of Ed. These allegations are substantiated by an investigation of the school district begun in October 1995 by the Office of Civil Rights . . . Public records show that the state Department of Education investigated the school district for a complaint filed in March 1996 . . . There is a clear line between abuse and strict discipline, several lawmakers said. In 1997, the parent of an 8 year old special education student filed suit against Clark County.