OCR COMPLAINT: Portland Public Schools

On February 15, 2024, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Portland Public Schools in Portland, Oregon for discrimination on the basis of race in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 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. Portland Public Schools has enacted several concerning policies that treat students and educators differently based on race and gender identity.

Attached to this complaint is supporting evidence in the form of an article “Portland Teachers will take Gender identity, Race into Account before Disciplining” (Exhibit A) and the recent Portland Association of Teachers settlement agreement “Portland Association of Teachers and Portland Public Schools Strike Settlement Agreement,”1 which highlights changes made to the District’s collective bargaining agreement related to student discipline (Exhibit B).

For instance, Portland Public Schools is disciplining some students and not others, solely based on
immutable characteristics.

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.