Parental Rights Group Challenges Oregon School System Over Alleged Racial Discrimination

A parental rights group has filed a civil rights complaint against Portland Public Schools in Oregon, accusing the district of racial discrimination.

The complaint, lodged with the Department of Education, alleges that the district is violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits federally funded institutions from engaging in racial discrimination. It also invokes the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, minced no words, stating, "Portland Public Schools’ own data shows that the district is failing students of all ethnicities – so it’s morally questionable (and legally indefensible) to only assist a select few on the basis of race." She further criticized the program’s funding and structure, pointing out that it diverts resources from a $1.2 billion construction bond approved in 2020, at a time when the district faces a $40 million budget deficit. Ouch, that’s some creative accounting, if true.

The construction bond in question established the district’s Center for Black Student Excellence, which the complaint argues is improperly funded and potentially illegal under state law. The Cascade Policy Institute has raised concerns that state law mandates such bonds be used strictly for capital improvements like construction and repairs—not broader initiatives like community engagement or intangible uses.

The Center for Black Student Excellence’s website underscores its mission to ensure that Black students in Portland Public Schools are "seen, valued, and held to high standards." It describes a coordinated network of educators, service providers, and community members dedicated to improving outcomes for Black students. While the goals sound noble on paper, critics argue that prioritizing one racial group could amount to discrimination under federal law.

Neily’s organization is calling for a federal investigation, citing the Civil Rights Act’s explicit prohibition against racial discrimination in federally funded programs. "We ask that the Department promptly investigate the allegations in this complaint, act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief," the complaint demands.

Portland Public Schools has not yet responded to the allegations as of the time of this report. Meanwhile, the spotlight on how public education dollars are spent—and whether they’re being used equitably—is only getting brighter.