Wisconsin Mother Files Civil Rights Complaint Over Alleged Race-Based Discrimination in School District
Published: October 2023
Allegations of Unlawful Educational Policies
FIRST ON FOX: A formal civil rights complaint has been lodged against the Trump administration by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL). The complaint asserts that a Green Bay, Wisconsin mother claims that her son, a White student, was denied access to essential reading support due to a district policy prioritizing assistance based on race.
The Title VI complaint was filed with the Department of Education’s Civil Rights office on Tuesday, alleging that the Green Bay Area Public School District engages in “troubling” and “unlawful” practices that violate both the U.S. Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Mother’s Experience and District Response
Colbey Decker, a mother from Green Bay, expressed her frustration concerning her dyslexic son, stating that he was denied critical reading resources solely because of his race. According to WILL, the district’s ‘School Success Plan’ explicitly prioritizes certain racial groups over others, a fact corroborated by a principal during a meeting with Mrs. Decker.
“Any time a parent or grandparent advocates for a child, their earnest hope is that the child is treated equally,” Decker stated in an earlier interview. “That’s not what’s happening when one child is prioritized over another.” She emphasized that this policy sets a dangerous precedent for educational equality.
Political Climate and Implications for Educational Policies
The complaint arrives at a consequential moment as President Trump has recently ordered the U.S. Department of Education to direct all local educational agencies receiving federal funds to adopt measures that ensure colorblind treatment of students. WILL has urged the Trump Administration to investigate claims of race discrimination in K-12 schools, hoping this case might be the first to prompt corrective action.
WILL’s Call to Action and Advocacy for Equality
WILL Associate Counsel Lauren Gruel stated, “Our client’s son continues to lose valuable time in his educational development. It’s time for the GBAPS to adopt a color-blind policy for giving all kids access to important resources.” The organization has called on the federal government to act swiftly in addressing this perceived injustice within the educational system.
In response to the complaint, the Green Bay Area Public School District expressed reluctance to comment until they have adequately reviewed the allegations. Previously, district representatives have maintained that all policies must be sanctioned by the Board of Education and have claimed that no such discrimination policy exists.
However, the complaint asserts that the district has made no progress toward eliminating any practices deemed discriminatory.
Next Steps and Community Reactions
The complaint formally requests that the Department of Education investigate the allegations swiftly and remedy any unlawful policies. “Thank you for your prompt attention to this request for investigation and resolution,” stated WILL in their appeal.
While the case unfolds, it raises broader questions about educational policies nationwide and their implications for students’ rights. Advocates for educational equality continue to call for policies that treat all students equitably, irrespective of race.
