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Judicial Watch Requests Investigation into Minneapolis Public Schools' Racial Discrimination in Collective Bargaining Agreement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Minneapolis Public Schools' collective bargaining agreement with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, particularly Article 15, has been at the center of controversy due to its discriminatory provisions. Judicial Watch, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for transparency and accountability in government, has filed letters to the Offices of Civil Rights in the Departments of Education and Labor requesting an investigation into the alleged civil rights violations.

The agreement, which has been in effect since July 1, 2021, and is currently being negotiated for renewal, exempts teachers of color from seniority-based layoffs and reassignments. This means that when layoffs or reassignments occur, the next senior teacher who is not "of color" would be laid off or reassigned. The contract also mandates that the schools reinstate teachers of color over more senior teachers who are not "of color." Prior to the contract, teachers were laid off or reassigned in order of seniority, without regard to race or ethnicity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Judicial Watch has requested the Office for Civil Rights investigate the collective bargaining agreement between the Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers Local 59 for civil rights violations.
  • Article 15 in the collective bargaining agreement exempts teachers of color from seniority-based layoffs and reassignments, mandating that teachers of color be reinstated over more senior teachers who are not "of color."
  • The contract provision is a clear violation of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  • The agreement has been in effect since July 1, 2021, and is currently being renegotiated.
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Judicial Watch's lawsuit against the superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools, the Minneapolis Public Schools, and the Minneapolis Board of Education in January 2025.
  • Minneapolis Public Schools clearly discriminate against teachers based on their race, according to Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.
  • If any portion of the complaint falls outside the Office of Civil Rights' subject matter jurisdiction, Judicial Watch requests that it be referred to the Attorney General for further action.

Statistics:

  • The Minneapolis Public Schools' collective bargaining agreement has been in effect since July 1, 2021.
  • The agreement exempts teachers of color from seniority-based layoffs and reassignments.
  • 100% of teachers who are "of color" are immune to layoffs and reassignments based on Article 15.
  • 0% of non-minority teachers are exempt from layoffs and reassignments.
  • The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Judicial Watch's lawsuit in January 2025.
  • 1 lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch on behalf of a Minneapolis taxpayer in August 2022 was rejected by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Sources:

  • Judicial Watch, "Judicial Watch Requests Investigation into Minneapolis Public Schools' Racial Discrimination in Collective Bargaining Agreement"
  • [Judicial Watch website, "Press Release" section, accessed March 2023]

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