The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has initiated an investigation into Evanston-Skokie School District 65 for purportedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This probe follows a complaint submitted to OCR by the Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) representing Dr. Stacy Deemar, a district teacher. The complaint suggests that the district practices racial segregation and stereotyping via mechanisms like "privilege walks" and segregated affinity groups sponsored by the district.
"The policies and practices to which the District allegedly subjects students and teachers shock the conscience," stated Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Trainor added, "After four long years of the Biden Administration’s tolerance for this kind of conduct, the American people returned President Trump to office to end this madness and enforce Title VI. This Department of Education will not allow districts that receive federal funding to become safe spaces for racial segregation or any other unlawful discriminatory practices.”
SLF’s Executive Director Kimberly Hermann shared their satisfaction with the current administration's decision, expressing hope for resolving the situation. "SLF is thankful that the Trump Administration recognizes that enough is enough and, following Dr. Deemar’s new OCR complaint, has launched an investigation into unconscionable racial discrimination in District 65 - Evanston, IL," Hermann said.
The complaint claims the district's activities involve racially exclusive "privilege walks" and affinity groups with entry restrictions based on race. It also accuses the district of promoting racial educational methods and pressuring students and teachers into discussing "white skin privilege."
Dr. Deemar initially filed a Title VI complaint in 2019, and by the end of Trump’s first term, OCR decided the District had violated Title VI. However, the Biden Administration dismissed Deemar's complaint in 2024, although SLF alleges the district continued its discriminatory activities.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits race, color, and national origin discrimination in federally funded education programs, and violations can result in a loss of federal financial aid.
