A Minnesota teacher program that limits eligibility based on race may be violating federal law, according to a watchdog group’s investigation. Defending Education released a report this week alleging that the Minnesota Educators Partnership (MEP), which received $1.5 million in state funding in 2023, explicitly restricts participation to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) applicants.

The partnership, a collaboration between Minnesota State University Mankato and several southern Minnesota school districts, operates under the state’s “Grow Your Own” initiative, designed to diversify the teaching workforce. However, the watchdog group claims that the program’s racial eligibility requirements may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race in federally funded programs.

The report focuses on two MEP initiatives: “Teachers of Tomorrow,” targeting high school students, and “Teaching Fellows,” an adult pathway helping participants earn teaching licenses. According to documents obtained by Defending Education, the Teaching Fellows program is explicitly “open to applicants who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)” and requires participants to be “of color or American Indian.”

Some application materials even require applicants to check a box confirming they are BIPOC to proceed with their application. The report also highlights that all project decisions for the Teaching Fellows initiative are made by a council that “must be majority individuals of color.”

State data appears to support these findings. A 2024 Minnesota Department of Education report shows that in several participating districts, 100% of MEP participants identified as “People of Color or Indigenous.”

Erika Sanzi, Senior Director of Communications at Defending Education, emphasized that while diversifying the teacher pipeline isn’t problematic, discriminatory practices based on race may violate federal law. “Minnesota’s race-based programming for aspiring teachers is likely illegal and I wouldn’t be surprised if federal authorities decide to take a closer look,” Sanzi told Fox News Digital.

When contacted for comment, MSU-Mankato provided a statement affirming their commitment to “access to education for all students” and an “inclusive environment where all are welcome.” The university spokesperson added, “Minnesota State University, Mankato follows all grant criteria established by the Minnesota Department of Education’s Grow Your Own program and Minnesota state law.”

The controversy emerges as education institutions across the country face increased scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Trump administration has recently issued executive orders aimed at ensuring federal funding isn’t allocated to jurisdictions or institutions that implement race-based curriculum or hiring practices.

This case highlights the ongoing tension between efforts to increase diversity in the teaching profession and legal constraints on race-conscious policies. Minnesota’s teaching workforce has historically lacked diversity relative to its student population, a challenge many states face nationwide.

Education experts have long argued that students benefit from having teachers who share their cultural backgrounds, with research suggesting improved academic outcomes when students see themselves represented among educational staff. However, programs designed to address this disparity must navigate complex legal frameworks governing equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws.

The MEP program represents a significant investment in Minnesota’s education system at a time when teacher shortages continue to affect schools nationwide, particularly in rural and underserved communities. According to recent data, the teaching profession nationwide remains predominantly white, with BIPOC teachers significantly underrepresented compared to the student populations they serve.

As this case develops, it may become a significant test of how diversity initiatives in education can be structured to comply with civil rights laws while still addressing persistent disparities in the teaching profession.