Group files civil rights complaint against Oswego School District 308

An Virginia-based group called Parents Defending Education has filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Oswego Community Unit School District 308 for discrimination on the basis of race in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Parents Defending Education filed the complaint on Jan. 13 in regards to a group at Grande Park Elementary School called The Black Student Alliance Buddies, which is geared toward “giving students a sense of belonging and creating a positive impact on a student’s identity development and academic success,” according to a flyer.

Students who want to attend the club’s meetings must be elementary school students in fourth or fifth grades who identify as Black, biracial or African American. In its complaint, Parents Defending Education contends that such criteria is discrimination and is in violation of both Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance. The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that all citizens are treated equally under the law.

“PDE makes this complaint as an interested third-party organization with members who are parents of school children throughout the country,” Caroline Moore, vice president of Parents Defending Education, said in a letter to the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. “PDE and its members oppose discrimination on the basis of race and political indoctrination in America’s schools.”

In her letter, Moore requests the department promptly investigate the allegations in the complaint and “act swiftly to remedy unlawful policies and practices and order appropriate relief.”

District 308 officials said they have not received any communication from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an investigation or inquiry into the matter.

The Oswego Ledger has also reached out to the Department of Education.

“There are hundreds of clubs across all of our elementary, junior high, and high schools,” the district said in response to the complaint. “In SD 308, if there is not a topic or interest represented by an existing club, students can initiate a request to form one.”

The district also said that clubs and activities often have commonalities between members.

“Those focusing on specific interests or demographics are a valued part of our district’s efforts to create welcoming spaces for the unique needs of all students,” the district said. “Several clubs extend across levels, providing mentorship between older and younger students with shared interests or similarities. Such programs provide students with connections, leadership development and personal growth opportunities.”

Parents Defending Education recently filed a similar complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against the District of Columbia Public Schools.