Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Catharine Richert

Human rights commissioner to address student discipline at Rochester schools

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will meet Thursday evening with Rochester parents who are concerned about the school district's approach to student discipline.

The human rights department has been working with school districts with high suspension rates because suspensions disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities.

Lindsey said his department found that suspension rates went up 20 percent in the Rochester Public School district between the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years, and disparities for students of color and students with disabilities grew. The Minnesota Department of Education does not yet have data for this past school year.

"What we've heard from school officials is that they believe the steps they have undertaken are having some success," Lindsey said. "The data suggests otherwise."

The Rochester district has an agreement with the federal government to address suspension rates. In a statement, the district said it's proud of its ongoing efforts to reduce suspensions, and notes that suspensions are down since the 2016-2017 school year. A recent report to the school board showed that referrals to the principal's office have declined sharply since the 2016-2017 school year.