The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the Evanston-Skokie School District 65, following allegations of racial discrimination related to the district's use of "privilege walks" and other activities. The complaint, spearheaded by drama teacher Dr. Stacy Deemar, claims the district violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by subjecting students to racial segregation and stereotyping, according to WGN-TV. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor expressed concern on the proceedings, stating, "The policies and practices to which the District allegedly subjects students and teachers shocks the conscience."
This new investigation mirrors a similar inquiry into Chicago Public Schools' "Black Student Success Plan," which was deemed discriminatory by the previous Trump administration. However, this finding was suspended under President Joe Biden's administration. District 65 responded to the allegations, asserting a commitment to equity and defending its educational practices as lawful, according to a statement reported by WGN-TV.
Further details of the investigation stem from ABC7 Chicago, which reported that Deemar, alongside the conservative Southeastern Legal Foundation, filed a second complaint leading to the current investigation by the education department. Deemar's lawsuit claims that the district's programming and training, which discuss "whiteness" in negative terms, is "unconstitutional, illegal, [and] discriminatory." Attempts to contact Deemar, the Southeastern Legal Foundation, and Evanston-Skokie School District 65 by ABC7 were not immediately returned with a comment.
