DISMISSED OCR Complaint: Hudson School District

On May 16, 2022, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Hudson School District in Hudson, Wisconsin for discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin 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 of the U.S. Constitution.

PDE makes this complaint as an interested third-party organization that opposes racial discrimination and political indoctrination in America’s schools. Attached to this complaint is supporting evidence in the form of an equity audit conducted by Integrated Comprehensive Systems for Equity (ICS) in 2021, which was presented to the school board on July 8, 2021 (Exhibits A-B). ICS submitted a proposal to the school district on September 24, 2020 for $35,750 (Exhibit C).

Integrated Comprehensive Systems for Equity’s audit was conducted through both quantitative and qualitative research analysis – specifically, survey administration and focus groups. The audit’s findings reveal problems in the district that merit investigation.

Integrated Comprehensive Systems for Equity’s audit was conducted through both quantitative and
qualitative research analysis – specifically, survey administration and focus groups. The audit’s findings reveal problems in the district that merit investigation.

In light of the data uncovered by the district’s commissioned equity audit, we ask that the Department
promptly investigate the allegations in this complaint, act swiftly to remedy any unlawful policies and
practices, and order appropriate relief. These disparities could have race-neutral explanations, but Hudson School District has provided none. And its decision to conduct an “equity audit” suggests that, in Hudson’s view, these disparities stem from racism inside the school district.

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On November 14, 2023 the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights dismissed this complaint. See the letter here.