Boston Public Schools Under Fire for Racial Segregation

A federal civil rights complaint has been filed against Boston Public Schools, alleging the district’s creation of racially-segregated programming for White teachers and parents violating civil rights law.

Complaint Filed by Advocacy Group

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) are confronting serious allegations after a cache of internal documents exposed the existence of racially-segregated educational programs. The complaints stem from revelations that the district was organizing “Whites-only” affinity groups aimed at instructing participants on how to be less racist. Parents Defending Education (PDE), a parental rights advocacy group, filed a formal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Boston office last week, citing violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Internal Documents Highlight Racial Segregation

In the complaint, which was obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, PDE asserted that BPS had implemented several self-identified affinity groups for educators and parents, notably one for “White Staff and Parents Challenging Racism.” These internal lesson plans included a pilot curriculum for the “Mendell Affinity Group for White People Challenging Racism” and general outlines for other White School Leader affinity groups. The curriculum featured mission statements, objectives, and templates designed to guide discussions aimed at confronting racism.

The mission statement of one such program emphasized the goal of educating and challenging participants about the historical and ongoing realities of racism, stirring significant concern among advocates for equality.

Concerns Raised Over Racially Segregated Programming

Nicole Neily, the president and founder of PDE, expressed deep concern about the implications of such programming. “If a district’s racially segregated teacher support programs would earn a stamp of approval from the KKK, something has gone terribly wrong,” she told Fox News Digital. Neily criticized the lack of opposition from BPS administrators, stating, “It’s not rocket science: including or excluding public school staff from opportunities on the basis of skin color is wrong.”

Historical Context

PDE’s findings on BPS affinity groups were not newly discovered. The organization had previously published a detailed report in 2023 documenting these racially-segregated initiatives. Prior attempts to challenge similar programs in Massachusetts led to the cessation of racially-specific affinity groups aimed at students. The 2022 intervention highlighted the problematic nature of segregating educational programs based on race.

Federal Guidelines on Racial Affinity Groups

Recently, the Biden administration issued federal guidance clarifying that while it is permissible for educational institutions to engage students in discussions about race and racism, creating racially-exclusive groups is likely unlawful. According to the guidance, “Title VI generally requires schools to ensure that all their students, regardless of race, have an equal opportunity to participate in any educational programs and activities.”

This has raised significant concerns about the legal ramifications for Boston Public Schools if the current programs do not align with federal law. Schools contravening these principles could face strict scrutiny under the Civil Rights Act.

Responses from Boston Public Schools

Despite severe criticisms, the Boston Public Schools’ administration has countered the allegations. BPS maintains that its staff affinity groups are not exclusive to any race and that participation is voluntary. A spokesperson for the district shared, “At this time, we have not received the discrimination complaint. Any complaint received is thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with our established procedures and in compliance with applicable laws.”

Implications and Broader Trends

While this controversy is unfolding, Michele Exner, a senior adviser at PDE, revealed that racially-segregated affinity groups have emerged in numerous states, reaching beyond Massachusetts to areas such as California, New York, and North Carolina. Like Neily, Exner cautioned against the principles of these programs, stating, “I think these sorts of programs start out well-intentioned, but the minute that you exclude a certain student or teacher solely based on race, that is absolutely wrong. It should not be happening.”

Final Thoughts

This case raises essential questions about the balance between combating racism and upholding civil rights. As educational institutions navigate these complex issues, it remains crucial to ensure that policies and programs promote inclusivity without crossing legal and ethical boundaries. The outcome of PDE’s complaint could have significant ramifications for the future of educational programming in Boston and potentially set precedents in other districts grappling with similar issues.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include comments from Boston Public Schools.