October 21, 2025
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MPS denies race-only classes, updates course guides

Minneapolis Public Schools said it does not restrict class enrollment by race or gender after course guides at South and Roosevelt high schools listed Black culture courses as open only to Black boys or Black girls. The district said the posted language is not reflective of actual practice and will be updated, while an attorney interviewed by FOX 9 argued race-based restrictions would violate Title VI and risk federal funding.

Education Legal

📌 Key Facts

  • Course guides at South HS listed 'HS Black Culture' sections 'open to: all Black male students' and 'open to: all Black female students'; Roosevelt HS described a 'High School Black Culture' group for Black girls ('Queens').
  • MPS stated all students may request any class if they meet prerequisites and said website/course-guide language will be corrected.
  • Attorney Jason Torchinsky told FOX 9 that race-based enrollment restrictions would violate Title VI and could jeopardize federal funds.

📰 Sources (1)

Minneapolis high schools offer Black culture courses 'open' to Black students only
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by Mike.Manzoni@fox.com (Mike Manzoni) October 21, 2025