OCR COMPLAINT: Kirkwood School District – Teacher Affinity Groups

On October 4, 2024, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Kirkwood School District in Kirkwood, MO 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. Kirkwood School District permits only some educators to participate in certain programming and their participation is based on their race. Attached to this complaint is evidence in the form of a district webpage titled, “Kirkwood Teachers of Color,” which explicitly states the District’s intent to “hire, mentor, and retain teachers of color” (Exhibit A), a district webpage titled, “KSD Minority Recruitment and Networking Event,” which highlights the District’s intent to specifically recruit educators based on their race (Exhibit B), and a document titled, “Kirkwood Teachers of Color Newsletter,” which provides a detailed analysis of the Kirkwood Teachers of Color affinity group, as well as programming and benefits associated with the affinity group (Exhibit C). These exhibits indicate that the District is acting in a race conscious and discriminatory way.

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.