Group Sues Minneapolis Schools Over Controversial Agreement With Teachers | Business news

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A conservative legal group says the latest Minneapolis public school teacher contract includes discriminatory protections against racial minorities.

The lawsuit, filed Monday by the judicial watchdog, challenges the settlement that terminated a three-week teachers’ strike in March. This includes hiring practices designed to help the district become more diverse in its teaching staff match the demographic characteristics of students it serves.

The contract language has caused an uproar with a condemnation of the policy as racist and unconstitutional discrimination against white people.

The complaint seeks an order declaring such “racial and ethnic preference” provisions illegal, as well as the use of taxpayer funds to implement them. This is reported by the Star Tribune.

Minneapolis is one of many areas across the US is struggling with teacher shortages and tight budgets.

The lawsuit names Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox, the district and the Minneapolis Office of Education as defendants. Deborah Jane Clapp, identified as a Minneapolis taxpayer, is the plaintiff.

A spokeswoman for Minneapolis Public Schools said she could not comment on pending litigation. Clapp’s lawyers declined to give her an interview.

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