MDE Commissioner: Update on U.S. Department of Education Letter | February 25, 2025 You have likely heard about a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), distributed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on February 14, 2025, that communicated a change in the agency’s interpretation of federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), along with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) and the Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison, is assessing the legal and practical implications of this directive... Read the full message here.
MDE Commissioner: Reminder about Student Civil Rights | February 19, 2025 Thank you for serving your school communities in the face of ambiguity brought on by recent federal executive actions. As teachers and school leaders, we are called to navigate these changes while keeping our sights set on what matters most: ensuring every child—of every background, zip code, and ability—has the opportunity to access a world-class education... Read the message here!
MDE Commissioner: New guidance for navigating changes in federal immigration policy | February 13, 2025School Leaders, As I shared in a letter to Minnesota families and educators last week, MDE remains committed to ensuring every child--of every background, zip code and ability—has the opportunity to access a world-class education.
Today, after continued conversations with our partners in the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, I’m following up with new guidance for navigating changes in federal immigration policy within your school communities.
Please consider this guidance--and similar resources listed below--as you are developing plans to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for every student we serve... Read the full message here!
MDE Commissioner: Minnesota Will Stand Up for Schools and Students | February 5, 2025 Recent discussions about potential changes to the U.S. Department of Education and federal education funding have raised many questions. Like many of you, I am concerned about recent executive actions and reports indicating plans to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education and eliminate investments in our schools. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has not yet received official information about potential changes to these essential programs currently housed within the U.S. Department of Education. As we seek clarity, we remain committed to ensuring stability for our students, educators, and schools... Read the message here!