A complaint was filed with the US Education Department against the Edina School District, with allegations that administrators in the district silenced Muslim students who expressed support for Palestinians.
"Today we are sending a strong message to Edina Public Schools," said Minnesota's Council on American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. "Also to other public schools, to make sure they protect Muslim and Jewish students. To check in with those students. And also to make sure they do not violate their constitutionally protected rights.
Monday he announced the action against Edina.
Edina School administrators say they know of the complaint filed to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Right, but can't comment on it.
"Edina Public Schools is aware that there has been threatened legal action against the District related to recent student walkouts that have occurred on District property. The District would like to affirm its unwavering support for students’ First Amendment right to free expression and to peacefully advocate for causes that are important to them. Similarly, the District has strong policies prohibiting any type of discrimination against students based on their religion or any other basis protected under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The District cannot comment on any particular students or allegations as that information would be considered private data protected by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, students do not have unfettered First Amendment rights while on school property and students do not have a right under the First Amendment to engage in speech that is substantially disruptive or that violates District policies. Our core beliefs in Edina Public Schools are grounded in the inherent dignity of all people. We value and appreciate the diversity of all of our students. Edina Public Schools deeply condemns islamophobia and antisemitism. We will not tolerate hateful or inappropriate comments or behaviors and will work diligently to provide a safe and inclusive environment for our students and staff."
"I'm deeply disappointed with the administrators and the school system for creating that environment," said Hussein. "I'm deeply concerned about the mental health of our Muslim and Jewish students. I'm deeply concerned about the long term impact."
He says the students say they were suspended for participating in demonstrations and speaking up in support of Palestinians, caught in the war between Israel and Hamas.
"We've had students who have been pulled into the office of the principal, and have been literally intimidated, bullied, even asked in the middle of the meeting to please text your friends and say we're canceling this protest," claims Hussein in a press conference Monday.