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Mass. school district accused of discrimination over program only open to minority students


Source:{ }@MiltonHigh_MA on Twitter
Source: @MiltonHigh_MA on Twitter
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A Massachusetts public school district is facing a federal civil rights complaint over a math program allegedly only available to students of minority backgrounds.

The complaint, filed by advocacy group Parents Defending Education (PDE) Tuesday, accuses Milton Public Schools (MPS) of racial discrimination and political indoctrination. The accusations target "The Calculus Project," a MPS program which allows students who partake to attend workshops and enrichment courses designed to strengthen their understanding of mathematics.

Both PDE and MPS parents argue that "The Calculus Project" is discriminatory due to its mission of increasing "the representation and success of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, People of Color, and low-income students." They also note several benefits that seemingly only such students would be able to obtain, including leadership opportunities and socialization.

Parents have expressed their concerns over the fairness and legality of "The Calculus Project" to MPS administrators.

"The Calculus Project is a wonderful idea to promote high level mathematics and kudos to those students that take advantage of this program," one parent states in email correspondence obtained by PDE. "My question is WHY is this not a program for all at MPS. It seems to me this program in itself is discriminatory against children that aren’t “African American / Black and Latin X."

An administrator responded to the parent noting that there are numerous MPS "supports and programs" available for "all students to achieve at high levels." However, the administrator did not directly acknowledge the parent's subsequent requests for a district committee to review "The Calculus Project."

PDE alleges that MPS is not only in violation of not only the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause but of its own non-discrimination policies. One of the policies asserts that while the district is committed to prioritizing inclusion, it must not "discriminate on the basis of race" in any programs, activities or operations.

PDE is demanding that the U.S. Department of Education investigative MPS and rectify any "unlawful policies and practices."

"It is always wrong to include or exclude students in an academic program based on their skin color," PDE Director of Outreach Erika Sanzi told The National Desk (TND). "I'm confident that Milton Schools can figure out a legal way to achieve their goals around Calculus readiness."

TND reached out to MPS regarding the complaint, however, a spokesperson said the district would not be providing comment.

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