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EXCLUSIVE – A parental rights organization has recently filed a civil rights complaint against the Portland Public Schools in Oregon, claiming the district engages in racial discrimination.
The complaint contends that the school system is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark legislation prohibits educational institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin. The complaint also points to violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, expressed concerns in a recent statement, saying, “Portland Public Schools’ own data shows that the district is failing students of all ethnicities, making it morally questionable and legally indefensible to assist only a select few based on race.”
Neily further elaborated that there are several financial and structural issues concerning the program in question. She pointed out potential fund misallocations, noting concerns such as money being diverted from a construction bond and issues arising from partnerships with nonprofit organizations. She emphasized the urgency of addressing these matters, particularly in light of the district’s ongoing $40 million deficit. “Portland families, students, and taxpayers deserve better,” Neily said.
The complaint was officially filed with the U.S. Department of Education on Monday. It references a significant decision made by Portland voters on November 3, 2020, when they approved a $1.2 billion construction bond aimed at Portland Public Schools. This bond also established the district’s Center for Black Student Excellence, which is now under scrutiny regarding the legality of its funding allocations.
The complainants refer to the Cascade Policy Institute, which highlighted that the legality of the bond initiative is suspect. They quoted the Institute stating, “State law requires that all proceeds from capital improvement bonds be used strictly for acquisition, construction, and repairs of school buildings and the purchase of assets. Other broader intangible uses, such as initial planning and community engagement, are not specifically allowed. Additionally, sponsors of a bond issuance are expected to conduct thorough due diligence supporting the proposed capital projects and their anticipated price tags.”
Furthermore, the Center for Black Student Excellence, according to its website, seems to prioritize the needs of Black students. The center’s objectives include scaling efforts to ensure these students are acknowledged, valued, and held to high standards. The district aims to coordinate high-quality service delivery across schools while maintaining clear and reliable communication.
The website additionally states that community leaders and organizations will foster a network designed to benefit Black students. This system redesign is portrayed as establishing a collective responsibility among community members for the outcomes of Black students while incorporating accountability measures to monitor progress.
Amid these findings, Parents Defending Education argues that the Center for Black Student Excellence’s measures may create a foundation for investigation due to their allegedly discriminatory nature.
The complaint further references the Department of Education’s awareness of the implications of racial discrimination, particularly noting parallels with common practices in other school districts. It draws attention to historical concerns where Chicago Public Schools allegedly received federal funds while violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The complaint underscores the legal assertion that no person in the United States shall be excluded from participation in or mistreated under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance based on race, color, or national origin.
As a response to these allegations, Parents Defending Education has requested that the Department of Education conduct a swift investigation into the claims, rectify any unlawful policies and practices, and provide appropriate remedies.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach representatives from the Portland Public Schools for comments regarding this accusation but did not receive an immediate response. The situation continues to develop as the community watches closely.
The implications of this complaint extend beyond just the Portland area, as they reflect broader societal issues surrounding race, equity, and access to quality education. Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and law-makers, are keenly observant as the investigation unfolds and potential ramifications could reshape educational policies in Oregon and beyond.
