BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn — The Minneapolis NAACP is calling out Brooklyn Center Community Schools for “discrimination, hostile work environment, bullying, retaliation, and teachers being terminated without cause.”
The group’s president Cynthia Wilson held a press conference outside the district’s offices in Brooklyn Center Tuesday to publicly condemn this alleged behavior.
“We are here to let it be known what’s going on in this building behind me,” Wilson said.
The NAACP says it first became aware of these allegations against the school district about three months ago when a staff member reached out to them.
Wilson said they are now aware of three staff members and two students who have shared complaints about misconduct at the school district.
Wilson said she reached out to the school’s superintendent about three weeks ago to discuss these allegations, but she claims the superintendent declined to meet with her.
“We were told no. We have no idea why we were told no,” Wilson said. “We’re no longer going to be disrespected. We’re no longer going to be pushed aside.”
Leaders at the NAACP didn’t provide any specific examples of discrimination, bullying, or retaliation, and the school district is not sharing any additional information at this time.
KARE 11 reached out to Brooklyn Center Community Schools to give district officials a chance to comment on these allegations. A school district spokesperson sent the following statement:
On March 8, 2023, Brooklyn Center Community Schools (BCCS) proposed the discipline of a district employee following a personnel investigation. This employee served in a student support role at a district school.
In accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, the District cannot release additional information on the employment matter.
The district is committed to following due process and all bargained, contractual obligations as stated in the employment agreement with SEIU 284 as we continue to focus on the needs of the students in our care.
The NAACP is now trying to set up a meeting with the school board to discuss these allegations.
KARE 11 reached out to the school board for comment, but so far, members have directed us back to the school district for comment.
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