Latinos seeking jobs and affordable housing have significantly impacted Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in recent years. However, a federal lawsuit has been filed challenging the election system for the local school board, claiming it unfairly excludes Hispanic representation.
The Hazleton Area School District, where nearly two-thirds of students are Hispanic, has never had a Hispanic person elected to its school board. This has led to allegations that the current 'at-large' election system favors non-Hispanic white voters and hinders Hispanic participation in decision-making.
The lawsuit, filed by two mothers of district students, argues that the current election system dilutes Hispanic voting strength and violates the Voting Rights Act and the constitutional right to equal protection under the law.
The district's demographic makeup is approximately 55% white, 40% Hispanic, and 5% Black, Asian, or multi-racial. Despite the significant Hispanic population, the school board has been criticized for its lack of responsiveness to the needs of Hispanic residents, including concerns related to student discipline, registration procedures, staffing, translators, and communication with parents.
Challenges faced by Hispanic residents include the requirement of three proofs of address for school registration, limited translator availability, and perceived disparities in disciplinary actions against students with limited English proficiency.
While some suggest that electing board members by region could promote fairness, the current board members, who are predominantly white, are hesitant to initiate such a change. The school district's lawyer argues that the plaintiffs lack standing under the Voting Rights Act and that political affiliation, rather than race or ethnicity, drives voter divisions in Hazleton.
The Hazleton Area School Board adopted the at-large election system in 1989, replacing the previous regional election method. Similar challenges have been seen in other Pennsylvania districts, such as Bethlehem, which settled a lawsuit in 2008 by creating geographic seats while maintaining at-large elections for other members.
The influx of new residents, particularly Latinos, has sparked debates and conflicts in Hazleton, including past attempts to regulate illegal immigration. State officials acknowledge the need for better political representation and voter engagement within the growing Latino population in Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Justice Department recently supported the right of private plaintiffs, like the two women suing the Hazleton district, to challenge election systems under the Voting Rights Act, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address issues of representation and fairness in local governance.
