Defending Ed Files Civil Rights Complaint Against Kalamazoo Public Schools for Race Discrimination in Employment

On October 15, 2026, Defending Education filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights against Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.  

KPS’ 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement with its local union sets minimum race-based staffing levels, as evidenced in a “Staffing for Racial Balance” letter of agreement (LOA) between KPS and the Kalamazoo Education Association. The agreement also prescribes mechanisms for achieving its racial targets, including recruitment and hiring practices, “support services and incentives” that could include “financial assistance prior to going on payroll or other help in obtaining loans,” and the use of voluntary transfers that may require awarding a vacancy to the “teacher of color even if they are less senior.”  The LOA states that both the district and teachers’ union “agree that the achievement and maintenance of a racially representative and balanced teaching staff depends upon an effective program to recruit, hire and retain persons of color.” The LOA also states that the district “agrees to provide funding and other resources necessary to fully develop and implement the plan.” KPS is using exactly the kind of “quotas” the Supreme Court has long condemned. The Court does not tolerate the kind of racial balancing with fixed mathematical formulas that KPS is engaging in, as it violates the Civil Rights Act and the Constitution.

Defending Education has asked that the Department promptly investigate all allegations in its complaint, remedy unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief.

Read the full complaint below: