Pine City Public Schools reached a settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights after finding that multiple students harassed a seventh-grade student because of her race.
According to an investigation, the student was repeatedly bullied because of her race by more than 10 students during the 2020-2021 school year. She missed several weeks of school.
The department found that the school district violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act due to not taking timely and appropriate action to stop the harassment when it was reported.
The settlement agreement requires the district to pay the student $65,000.
Pine City Public Schools will also have to make changes to its policies and procedures to prevent further discrimination and harassment.
The district’s compliance with the settlement agreement will be monitored through the 2025-2026 school year.
In a statement, Pine City Public Schools superintendent Dr. Cindy Stolp wrote:
"Pine City Schools is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We take allegations of discrimination or bullying seriously and are dedicated to upholding our policies against such behavior. The settlement addresses claims related to student-to-student interactions from the 2020-2021 school year, during the height of the pandemic, when students attended some or all of their classes from home.
As part of the settlement the district denied any violation of the law. The district, however, remains focused on continued improvement, including fostering respect and understanding among students.
The district has made many changes in the last 3-4 years. There is a different administrative team in place, more robust training, and improved processes to address claims of discrimination or bullying. We are committed to continuing to work closely with students, parents, and the community to create a positive school culture for all students."
School board chair James Foster also shared a written statement:
“Pine City Public Schools has undergone a tremendous amount of change in recent years. Since the complaint, there has been a complete turnover of all administrators in the district, as well as nearly every school board seat. This leadership change has allowed for fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to improving the learning environment for all students. In the past two years, the new administration and school board has worked diligently to positively impact both policy and culture within the district. The district’s dedication to continued improvement has allowed several concrete steps to be taken, including revamping procedural standards, hiring consultants to help shape behavioral responses, and significant training opportunities for both administration and staff, as well as an ongoing, top down review of all district policies. It is imperative that all students have access to a learning environment that allows them to thrive both academically and personally, and Pine City Public Schools is dedicated to that pursuit.”
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