Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit challenging policy to protect teachers of color in Minneapolis

A lawsuit aiming to block Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) from protecting minority teachers in its contract policies was thrown out by the Minnesota Supreme Court this week, marking a significant win for efforts to retain educators from underrepresented backgrounds in the city’s schools.

The court ruled that the Minneapolis homeowner behind the lawsuit, Deborah Jane Clapp, did not have legal standing to challenge how the district uses taxpayer funds. The lawsuit was brought by Judicial Watch, a Washington, D.C.-based conservative group known for opposing policies aimed at advancing racial equity.

At the heart of the case was Article 15, a provision in the teachers’ contract between MPS and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT). The policy ensures that teachers from underrepresented communities are prioritized for reinstatement and protected from seniority-based layoffs. The provision was designed to address historical disparities in the teaching staff, which has long lacked diversity.

“We worked hard to get this protection on the books,” said Marcia Howard, president of the MFT and a 26-year teaching veteran. “We’re proud to stand with the district to defend these protections from attacks by groups like Judicial Watch, who don’t represent our community’s values.”

What the ruling means

The Supreme Court’s decision focused on whether taxpayers can sue the government simply because they disagree with how their money is spent. In the opinion written by Justice Karl Procaccini, the court reaffirmed that taxpayers do not have standing to challenge policies unless they can prove that public funds are being unlawfully spent.

The ruling follows a similar case last year where the court rejected a lawsuit challenging a law that restored voting rights to people with felony convictions. In both cases, the court made it clear that political disagreements are not enough to bring a lawsuit against the government.

Judicial Watch’s claims rejected

Judicial Watch argued that the MPS policy was unconstitutional, claiming it amounted to discrimination against white teachers. The group’s president, Tom Fitton, criticized the court’s decision, calling the policy “racially discriminatory” and urging federal intervention to overturn it.

“Minneapolis Public Schools is using taxpayer money to discriminate based on race,” Fitton said. “This contract is a civil rights violation, and we’re not done fighting it.”

Fitton also signaled that Judicial Watch would seek help from a future Trump administration to investigate the district and take action.

Why the policy matters

For many in the community, the policy is seen as a necessary step toward equity in Minneapolis schools. Advocates argue that increasing the number of teachers of color is crucial for improving educational outcomes for Black, Brown, and Indigenous students, who make up the majority of MPS enrollment.

“This policy isn’t about taking jobs from anyone. It’s about ensuring our students see themselves reflected in their teachers,” said Howard. “Representation matters, especially in classrooms.”

The policy is part of broader efforts to address systemic inequities in education. Historically, teachers of color have been disproportionately impacted by layoffs due to seniority rules. Article 15 aims to break that cycle by protecting teachers from communities that have long been underrepresented in the teaching profession.

Next steps

The Supreme Court’s decision is final, and the case cannot move forward in state courts. However, Judicial Watch may still seek federal action.

Meanwhile, MPS and MFT leaders say they are committed to keeping Article 15 in place and continuing to prioritize racial equity in their schools.

“This was a victory for our students and our community,” said a statement from MPS. “We remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.”

Howard added, “This fight isn’t just about a contract. It’s about standing up for what’s right for our kids and our community.”

For now, the district’s protections for teachers of color remain intact, ensuring that MPS can continue its work to build a more equitable future in Minneapolis classrooms.