The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) has successfully reached a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on behalf of the Center of the American Experiment (CAE) in a lawsuit challenging MDE’s failure to comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). The lawsuit, Center of the American Experiment v. Minnesota Department of Education; Willie Jett, Commissioner, Case No. 02-CV-24-7000, was filed in Anoka County District Court in November 2024.
CAE sued MDE and Commissioner Willie Jett in his official capacity after the agency failed to provide timely responses to data requests submitted in April and October 2024. The lawsuit sought injunctive, declaratory, and monetary relief, arguing that MDE’s delay in fulfilling its obligations under the MGDPA hindered public access to critical government information.
Under the terms of the settlement, MDE will pay a total of $7,000, with half going directly to CAE and the other half to UMLC for legal fees. In return, CAE has agreed to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice.
Doug Seaton, President of UMLC, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating: “This settlement highlights the importance of government transparency and the right of the public to access information in a timely manner. Agencies must be held accountable when they fail to comply with the law.”
