“The work undertaken between Minnesota schools officials and the Department of Human Rights to reduce suspension disparities is not impacted by the recent actions of the Federal Department of Education to rescind technical guidance concerning suspensions issued under the Obama Administration.

The Agreements between the Department of Human Rights and Minnesota schools call for school officials to work with students, parents and community partners to design and develop strategies and solutions. The solutions to reducing our current suspension disparities exist within local school communities.

We can reduce gun violence in our communities. We can reduce suspension disparities in our schools that don’t involve fighting, weapons or drugs. We can do both. We have creative problem solvers that can solve more than one issue at a time.

While it is unfortunate that the federal government appears unwilling and unable to provide leadership; I take pride in knowing that in the first year of the Agreements, Minnesota school leaders are stepping forward to ensure that our schools are safe, inclusive, equitable and secure.”

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