Parent Group Files Discrimination Complaint Against Rochester School District

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A national parent ground has filed a federal civil rights complaint against the Rochester Public School District (RPS). 

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The group, called Parents Defending Education (PDE), says it is filing the complaint as an “interested third party.” A letter detailing the complaint says the organization is made up of parents of school children across the country. 

The complaint stems from grant money disbursed to RPS through the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. 

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State law requires school districts receiving grant funds to develop teacher mentorship funds for teachers who are new to the profession of district including, “teaching residents, teachers of color, teachers who are American Indian, teachers in license shortage areas, teachers with special needs, or experienced teachers in need of peer coaching.” 

Parent Group Files Complaint Accusing Rochester School District of Race-Based Discrimination

State records show RPS was awarded a $136,400 grant in 2023 to fund a mentorship program for employees of color that RPS calls “Grow Your Own.” 

The program offers financial assistance through scholarships, pay for employees while they continue to complete their clinical experience and other benefits, according to RPS’s website. 

PDE alleges the program is discriminatory on the basis of race because it is only available to teachers of color. The group alleges Grow Your Own violates Title XI, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.  

RPS issued the following statement in response to the complaint. 

Research has conclusively shown that when a student of color has a teacher of color, it has powerful benefits to their academic achievement and educational experience. We believe the benefits of the diversity of our staff apply to all other positions as well. As a result, our strategic plan seeks to develop and recruit staff from diverse backgrounds and support them once they are employed in our district. We've done so in a way consistent with the law and best practices in education and other fields. 

PDE is asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the allegation and to “act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief.”