Milwaukee Public Schools faces federal civil rights investigation

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched a directed investigation into Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to determine if race is used as a factor in student disciplinary actions. The probe is being conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Federal officials stated that some Milwaukee education leaders had described race-neutral school policies as reflecting systemic ‘whiteness,’ which the department suggests may encourage school personnel to consider race during discipline. While the investigation is underway, the department noted that the opening of a probe is not evidence of a violation of federal law.

Milwaukee Public Schools confirmed receipt of the notice but stated they require more specific details regarding the basis or prompting of the investigation before they can respond appropriately. The investigation coincides with new guidance from the Department of Education, which clarifies that discipline policies must treat students even-handedly and must not favor or disfavor any student based on race.