OCR COMPLAINT: Rochester Public Schools

On December 18, 2024, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Rochester Public Schools in Rochester, MN 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.

Rochester Public Schools has affinity group programming for some teachers, that is not open to all. The District allows only some teachers to participate in affinity group programming, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities and their participation is based on their race.

Attached to this complaint is evidence in the form of “Minnesota Teacher Mentorship and Retention of Effective Teachers Grant Report to the Legislature,” which details the grant given to the District because of the educator affinity group (Exhibit A), “Employees of Color Resource Group” webpage, which details the purpose and activities associated with the affinity group (Exhibit B), and the “Grow Your Own” District webpage, which outlines Rochester Public Schools’ efforts to recruit, mentor, and retain teachers of color (Exhibit C).

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.