CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. (AP) – The Chamberlain School District is the subject of a federal investigation after a community activist filed a complaint alleging racial discrimination.

The Argus Leader reports the complaint has been filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.

Activist James Cadwell is accusing the school board of restricting access and refusing to hear testimony from Native Americans who wanted the board to allow Native honor songs to be performed at high school graduations.

A spokesman for the federal agency tells the newspaper the investigation began earlier this month.

Chamberlain Superintendent Debra Johnson says the district is “complying” with the department.

–––

Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com