Civil Rights Complaint Filed Over ‘Black Excellence’ Pledge in Denver Schools
On February 20th, Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal civil rights complaint against the largest school district in Denver, Colorado, for allegedly requiring staff to participate in a “Black Excellence” pledge.
The complaint cites an internal memo referencing the pledge and alleges the initiative is backed by the district’s superintendent, school board, and senior leadership.
According to the complaint, the pledge reads in part, “all educators need to understand the prevalence and deep harm whiteness brings to students,” and promises “conversations about racism and white supremacy culture.”
The pledge suggests teachers “dismantle the system that allows certain students to excel and others to perish.”
EXCLUSIVE:
This was an internal memo sent to staff and teachers at Denver Public Schools: “Black Excellence Pledge”
Included in this pledge:
“Understand the prevalence &
