Feds sue MPS over teacher layoff protections
The Trump administration filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 10 against Minneapolis Public Schools, challenging contract provisions that protect teachers of color in layoffs and recalls. The complaint alleges the layoff protections constitute unlawful race‑based discrimination under federal law and asks a judge to block enforcement and declare the provisions illegal.
📌 Key Facts
- Plaintiff: Trump administration (federal government) filed suit against Minneapolis Public Schools
- Filing date: Dec. 10, 2025, in federal court in Minnesota
- Subject: Contract provisions that give layoff/recall protections or preferences to teachers of color
- Relief sought: Injunction and declaratory judgment to bar enforcement of the policy
📊 Relevant Data
In Minneapolis Public Schools, around 20% of teachers are people of color, while roughly two-thirds of students are people of color.
Trump admin sues Minneapolis schools over layoff protections for teachers of color — Minnesota Reformer
Teachers of color tend to be younger and have less seniority, making them more vulnerable to last-in, first-out layoffs.
Trump admin sues Minneapolis schools over layoff protections for teachers of color — Yahoo News
A diverse teaching staff improves student outcomes, particularly for students of color.
Supporting and Sustaining a Diverse Teacher Workforce — Learning Policy Institute
In Minnesota, there is a 32.42-point gap in racial and ethnic demographic representation between the teacher workforce and students in the 2024-25 school year.
Summary Report Increasing Teachers of Color and American Indian Teachers in Minnesota — Minnesota Legislative Reference Library