Feds sue Minneapolis schools over contract protections for teachers of color

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday said they’re suing the Minneapolis Public Schools over a provision in the district’s teachers contract that provides job protections for teachers of color meant to help diversify the teaching ranks.

The contract language added in 2022 shields teachers of color from “last in, first out” layoff practices that can end up disproportionately affecting them.

A Minneapolis taxpayer sued the city’s school district that year, alleging that the provision discriminated against white employees. In January, however, the Minnesota Supreme Court overruled the state Court of Appeals and dismissed the case, ruling the taxpayer did not have standing to bring the suit. 

The lawsuit filed Tuesday by the U.S. Justice Department is part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

“Discrimination is unacceptable in all forms, especially when it comes to hiring decisions,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “Our public education system in Minnesota and across the country must be a bastion of merit and equal opportunity — not DEI.”

The district declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

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