Discrimination Complaint
A formal discrimination complaint has been filed under District Policy 411. This policy, as well as numerous state and federal laws, ensures that all students, staff, and members of our school community are treated equitably and without discrimination. This complaint seeks to address ongoing violations of these laws by the District.
Legal Grounds for Complaint
This complaint highlights the District’s failure to comply with key non-discrimination laws and policies, including but not limited to:
- Title IX and its implementing regulations prohibit sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities.
- Wisconsin Statute 118.13 and its implementing regulations (Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter PI 9) prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.
- The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that no individual shall be denied equal protection under the law.
- The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, particularly the prohibition against viewpoint discrimination, ensures freedom of expression without government suppression or bias.
Initial Complaint Submitted
The complaint was submitted independently, citing discrimination under District Policy 411 and related non-discrimination laws, following the removal of the book “Love Makes a Family” from the curriculum.
Complaint Dismissed
The District concluded that the complaint did not constitute discrimination under sex or any other protected class. Leia Scopter provided that no students were denied the rights to participate in programs or activities, and the Curriculum Committee followed Policy 871 in the book’s removal.
Complaint Resubmitted
The complaint was relegal assistance, reinforcing the claim of discriminatory harm caused by the removal of “Love Makes a Family” from the curriculum.
Second Dismissal by District
The reason for the dismissal was the the families interviewed reported no experiences of harassment or discrimination since the book’s removal. The reconsideration process was said to have been followed according to policy. Counter-evidence was provided from the families. Several families expressed harm caused by the removal, including feelings of anxiety, loss of representation, and negative impacts on students’ identities.
Appeal to Step 2 Submitted
The complaint was appealed to the next level, challenging the intent behind the book’s removal and its impact on district families.
Meeting with Superintendent Munoz
The focus of meet meeting was the act of removing the book was done with intent, leading to harmful discrimination. Quotes from the School Board members revealed biases against “alternative family structures,” further supporting the complaint’s claims.