A coalition of parent and education advocacy groups is calling on Minnesota lawmakers to conduct a “top-to-bottom audit” of the state’s education laws and policies to address what they describe as toxic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates that conflict with federal law.
In a letter sent to Senate President Bobby Joe Champion and House Speaker Lisa Demuth, the group Defending Education—joined by School Boards for Academic Excellence, Minnesota Partnership for Achievement, and Protective Parent Coalition—warned that Minnesota’s DEI-driven education policies may “run contrary to federal constitutional and statutory law” and could even jeopardize federal funding for public schools.
“The time for self-examination and legal housekeeping is now,” the letter stated.
The letter, which raises serious concerns about potential violations of Titles VI, VII, and IX of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause, outlines how DEI mandates have contributed to discriminatory practices in hiring, programming, and resource allocation.
Among its examples, the coalition cites:
- A lack of transparency in teacher discipline, with national data showing school employees accused of misconduct often move between districts without records following them.
- Race-based education initiatives like Chicago Public Schools’ “Black Student Success Plan,” which the coalition argues violates federal anti-discrimination law by directing resources to one racial group.
- Policies in states such as Minnesota and Maine treat separate athletic programs for biological sexes as discriminatory, despite Title IX’s original intent to protect women’s sports.
The letter also lists 15 questions for Minnesota lawmakers, urging them to determine whether DEI-related mandates in schools violate federal law or create unequal treatment based on race, sex, or gender identity.
According to the coalition, these conflicts reveal “widespread state conflicts with prevailing federal law in publicly funded educational programs.”
The signatories include Defending Education President Nicki Neily, Minnesota Partnership for Achievement’s Cristine Trooien, Protective Parent Coalition’s Jill Grunewald, and School Boards for Academic Excellence’s David Hoyt. Together, they are calling for legislative oversight to “secure educational excellence” and restore compliance with federal protections against discrimination.
The Upper Midwest Law Center has supported efforts to review and reform Minnesota’s education system, standing with parents and organizations across the state to ensure schools follow the law and uphold equality under the Constitution.
