The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it is investigating Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) for potentially using race as a factor in student discipline. The inquiry follows a new “Dear Colleague” letter from the department’s Office for Civil Rights, which interprets Title VI to prohibit any intentional discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds.
Federal guidance and the investigation
The guidance, while not a statute, stresses that disciplinary policies must be “even‑handed” and cannot favor or disfavor any student because of race. It further notes that mere statistical disparities, without proof of intentional bias, do not constitute a Title VI violation.
MPS media relations manager Stephen Davis confirmed that the district received a notice from the Office for Civil Rights on Tuesday morning. The letter provided only basic notification and contact information, offering no specifics about the alleged violations.
Background on MPS discipline data
Recent state data show that Black students accounted for 54% of incidents that led to disciplinary action in the 2024‑25 school year, yet they comprised 78% of suspensions and 86% of expulsions. By contrast, White students represented 9.5% of incidents, 2% of suspensions, and had no expulsions.
In 2018, the Office for Civil Rights previously urged MPS to reform its policies after an investigation found over 100 instances where Black students were expelled for conduct that resulted only in suspension for White students. The district responded by creating the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement, aimed at reducing the disproportionate impact on those groups.
Local response and perspectives
David Castillo, a founding member of the Black and Latino Male Achievement team, said the program helped lower suspension rates for Black and Latino boys by providing positive role models and targeted support. He emphasized that focusing on the most affected demographic can lead to broader improvements for all students.
Former board member Henry Leonard, who advocated for restorative‑justice practices, noted that classrooms using restorative approaches saw fewer fights and suspensions, suggesting an alternative to punitive discipline.
Conservative commentary
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a conservative public‑interest law firm, praised the federal investigation, stating it continues a long‑standing concern about race‑based discipline that began under previous administrations.
MPS officials said they will await further details from the Department of Education before formulating a response.
Original reporting: Wisconsin Watch — read the source article.
