OCR Complaint: Jeffco Public Schools

On September 16, 2022, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County, Colorado 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 a flyer advertising “Employees of Color Gatherings” for the 2022-23 school year (Exhibit A), as well as the Jeffco Public Schools Master Negotiated Agreement with the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA), effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2024 (Exhibit B).

These exhibits reveal that JeffCo Public Schools plans a series of events for “people of color” on September 22, 2022; October 20, 2022; November 17, 2022; December 15, 2022; January 19, 2023; February 23, 2023; March 30, 2023; and April 20, 2023. These events are to be held both in-person as well as virtually.

On page 76 of the JCEA-Jeffco Master Negotiated Agreement (Exhibit B), Section 22-2-1-C notes that “The District and Association will collaborate to… [c]reate a safe space for educators of color to meet
and support each other and find support around the challenges and opportunities of being an educator of color in Jefferson County.

On page 77 of the JCEA-Jeffco Master Negotiated Agreement (Exhibit B), Section 22-2-1-D notes that “The District and Association will collaborate to… [c]reate a 1:1 mentorship program for educators of color in the District to be mentored by more experienced educators of color.”

Also on page 77 of the JCEA-Jeffco Master Negotiated Agreement (Exhibit B), Section 22-2-1-E notes that
“The District and Association will collaborate to… [i]mplement programs to support current educators of
color in obtaining leadership licenses and gain employment in administration and leadership roles within the district.”

Finally, on page 77 of the JCEA-Jeffco Master Negotiated Agreement (Exhibit B), Section 22-3 on the
“Equity Ombuds Program” asserts that “the District will actively recruit individuals of color and other
underrepresented groups for the Equity Ombuds position. The District strongly encourages individuals
from historically underrepresented groups to apply for the position.”

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.