Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Staff,

Late yesterday (April 7), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) sent a response to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) per the ED's recent "Request for Certification" regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Per this legislation, “[n]o person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

In its response, MDE affirmed that the state "has consistently complied with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations and continues to do so." MDE Commissioner Willie Jett explained further that: "There is nothing unlawful in the principles underlying programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion," and, "In Minnesota, we believe every child—of every background, zip code and ability—deserves access to a world-class education."

A copy of MDE's full response is available here. I want to thank Commissioner Jett and our partners at MDE for their leadership during this time and for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student and educator has the support they need to be successful. 

Thank you,

Dr. John Thein

Interim Superintendent