May 5, 2025 Story by: Publisher
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened a new investigation into Evanston‑Skokie School District 65, following a complaint alleging that the district’s policies and practices amount to unconstitutional, race‑based segregation and discrimination in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Complaint and Allegations
The probe stems from a second federal civil rights complaint filed April 24, 2025, by District 65 teacher Stacy Deemar with assistance from the conservative Southeastern Legal Foundation. Deemar’s lawsuit contends that District 65’s “race‑based programming,” which includes mandatory antiracist training for staff and student lessons critiquing “whiteness,” unlawfully differentiates on the basis of race and thereby discriminates against students and educators who do not belong to certain racial groups.
Previous Title VI Finding Suspended
During the Trump administration, OCR had already concluded, based on Deemar’s initial complaint, that District 65 violated Title VI by treating students differently on account of race. That finding was subsequently put on hold by the Biden administration, pending a review of evolving guidance on equity and inclusion initiatives in schools.
Similar Actions Elsewhere
Evanston‑Skokie’s investigation follows closely on the heels of a parallel OCR review of Chicago Public Schools’ Black Student Success Plan, which former OCR officials under President Trump characterized as favoring Black students and disadvantaging others—a claim CPS has denied. These inquiries reflect a broader national debate over how race‑conscious educational programs intersect with federal nondiscrimination mandates.
District Response
In an official statement, District 65 leadership emphasized its commitment to equity and nondiscrimination. The district affirmed that it received OCR’s notice of the new complaint on May 1, 2025, and pledged full cooperation:
“We are a diverse school district committed to equity and to ensuring that every child gets what they need and deserve…The complaint misrepresents our District’s lawful and important professional learning and student‑focused initiatives…The District will fully comply with the OCR investigation to help ensure a just and expeditious resolution.”
Next Steps
OCR investigators will review District 65’s policies, training materials, and classroom practices to determine whether they impermissibly classify or separate students and staff based on race. If violations of Title VI are found, the department may seek to negotiate corrective actions or, in extreme cases, refer the matter for federal enforcement proceedings.
Understanding Title VI
Title VI prohibits any program or activity receiving federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin. School districts found in violation can face requirements to revise policies, undertake staff retraining, and monitor compliance to ensure that all students receive equal educational opportunities under the law.
This investigation represents the latest federal scrutiny of race‑conscious educational initiatives and underscores the delicate balance districts must navigate between advancing equity and adhering to longstanding civil rights protections.
Source: ABC7 Chicago
