DISMISSED OCR COMPLAINT: Greeley-Evans District 6

On April 26, 2024, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Greeley-Evans District 6 in Greeley, Colorado for discrimination on the basis of race in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance in violation of both Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

PDE makes this complaint as an interested third-party organization with members who are parents of school children throughout the country. PDE and its members oppose discrimination on the basis of race and political indoctrination in America’s schools. Greeley-Evans District 6 has parent affinity groups that are not accessible to all parents. The District only permits some parents to participate and their participation is based on immutable characteristics. Attached to this complaint is evidence in the form of an email invitation to a “Black Family Affinity Group” that was sent on behalf of Greeley-Evans District 6 (Exhibit A).

Exhibit A presents the District’s “Black Family Affinity Group” as “a wonderful opportunity for our Black families to connect with one another.” A purpose of this affinity group may be to “create a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students” and share “invaluable” feedback to the District. In addition, the District seeks for Black families to share experiences and “engage with District initiatives.”

Admittance into this affinity group appears to be solely based on an individual’s race. While DAC [District Accountability Committee] and SAC [School Accountability Committee] parent volunteer groups are required in all public schools in Colorado, Greeley-Evans District 6 appears to have created an alternative affinity group that only serves Black families.

As for additional benefits of the “Black Family Affinity Group,” such as meals, additional meetings, resources, and access to district administrators, those too would confer a benefit on the basis of race and national origin that is not offered to all students.

Accordingly, we ask that the Department promptly investigate the allegations in this complaint, act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief.

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On July 24, 2024 the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights dismissed this complaint. See the letter here.