School districts in Minnesota offer race-based incentives to teachers

Policy 425 – Staff Development and Orientation and programs with similar names have been implemented in K-12 school districts throughout Minnesota.

“Public schools offering financial incentives based on race are racially discriminatory, plain and simple,” Paul Ronco, senior director of Education Defense Strategic Initiatives, told Fox News Digital. “These 50 school districts need to take a hard look at these policies, both ethically and legally, and make the necessary changes to comply with federal civil rights law.”

Education Defense revealed a large number of school districts have adopted Policy 425, which states that “a district may use employee development revenues; Special grant programs Established by the legislature, or other funding source.”

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More than 50 school districts in Minnesota have adopted “Policy 425,” which allows for race-based financial incentives and retention protections for teachers of color and American Indian teachers, including the use of affinity groups and layoff guarantees. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

“To the extent a school district receives a grant for any of the above purposes, it will negotiate additional retention strategies or protection from unrequired leave of absence in the early years of employment for teachers of color and American Indian teachers,” the policy explains.

Retention policies “may include providing financial incentives to teachers of color and American Indian teachers to work in the school or district for at least five (5) years and placing American Indian teachers in positions with other teachers and American Indian teachers and teachers of color in positions with other teachers of color to reduce isolation and increase opportunities for group support.”

The policies, unveiled by the education advocacy group, allow districts to use public funds and grants to offer targeted incentives and additional job protections aimed at recruiting and retaining minority teachers. (Stephen Maturin/Getty Images)

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The Education Defense Foundation examined more than 100 school districts to uncover districts that had adopted Policy 425, finding 50 districts practicing “staff development and mentoring” and 57 districts that did not appear to have implemented the policy.

Christine Troyen, A Parents Minnesota The executive director of the Minnesota Partnership for Achievement was angry about the policy, saying the state legislature has an opportunity to reverse course for school districts across Minnesota.

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“The Minnesota Legislature is currently in session and has every opportunity to make the simple changes needed to resolve these issues,” Troen said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Critics, including Education Defense and some Minnesota parents, argue that the race-based provisions constitute unlawful discrimination and are calling on state lawmakers and school districts to review or repeal the policies. (Istock)

“There is no legitimate justification for this Race-based politics “Or programs in K-12 education or any other publicly funded institution,” Troen added.

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Education Defense claimed that the policies were similar to those of the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) model, although their model is protected by a paywall and cannot be accurately linked to the association.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Minnesota School Boards Association but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Preston Maisel is a writer for Fox News. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and X @MizellPreston