Stories by

Jonaki Mehta

Correspondent, Education

5 things civil rights data says about public schools

5 things civil rights data says about public schools

Jonaki Mehta | Oct 7, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
The federal Civil Rights Data Collection, for the first time in decades, tells us about the teacher workforce and reminds us racial disparities are still stark in American public schools.
Federal civil rights data about students is finally out. It's different under Trump
Federal civil rights data about students is finally out. It's different under Trump
The Education Department gathers a massive tranche of civil rights data about public school students. It's now available but harder to parse than in the past.
Jonaki Mehta | Sep 4, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
In private call, Education Dept. tried, but failed, to reassure disability advocates
In private call, Education Dept. tried, but failed, to reassure disability advocates
The disability community has long worried about what would happen if special education oversight moved from the Education Department to another agency. Now, those moves are becoming more real.
Jonaki Mehta | Jul 10, 2026, 1:03 AM UTC
Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late
Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late
The Education Department has long collected civil rights data about things like bullying, harassment and disability services in schools, but it hasn't made the latest information public.
Jonaki Mehta | Jul 2, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
As America turns 250, one museum makes history possible to touch
As America turns 250, one museum makes history possible to touch
Federal law requires most museums and other buildings to be accessible to people with disabilities. But access to what's actually inside is often still limited.
Jonaki Mehta | Jun 18, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC
Trump further guts Education Dept. by shifting oversight of special ed, civil rights
Trump further guts Education Dept. by shifting oversight of special ed, civil rights
The moves to the federal departments of Health and Human Services and Justice, respectively, would further dismantle an agency that President Donald Trump has vowed to close.
Jonaki Mehta, Cory Turner | Jun 16, 2026, 5:04 PM UTC