Assistant principal sexually harassed student





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Minnesota Department of Human Rights




Civil Rights Newsletter





When it comes to discrimination in schools, Minnesota’s law is clear 

Amid constant shifts at the federal level, Minnesota’s civil rights law is clear. When a school district knows or should know about discrimination or harassment, they must take action to address it.

In a case we *recently announced* [ [link removed] ], we found that Osseo Area Schools violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it failed to stop an assistant principal from sexually harassing a nine-year-old student. Read more below. 

Commissioner Lucero's Quote
Investigation into Osseo Area Schools 

The Department of Human Rights’ investigation found that during the 2021-22 school year, an assistant principal used his position of power – both as a school leader and an adult – to sexually harass a nine-year-old student. 

The investigation found that Osseo Area Schools knew or should have known that the assistant principal was harassing the student. The district had credible reports of the sexual harassment from other students, teachers, and the student’s parents. Despite this, the district took no meaningful action to stop or prevent the assistant principal from sexually harassing the nine-year-old.

The school’s failure to stop the sexual harassment had a significant impact on the nine-year-old. Her parents ultimately withdrew her from the district.

Quote from parents
Settlement agreement

Recognizing the harm caused by the district’s failure to take meaningful action, Osseo Area Schools agreed to write an apology letter to the student and hold a listening session with the student and her parents, terms rarely included in settlement agreements.

As part of the agreement, Osseo Area Schools will also pay the former student $61,500 and implement reforms to prevent future sexual harassment. 

About education discrimination

When a Minnesota school knows or should have known about discrimination and harassment, and fails to take meaningful action to prevent it, it not only causes tremendous harm to the student and their family, but it also violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Under the law, Minnesota schools are prohibited from discriminating against students by denying them services, benefits, or full use of the school because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has powerfully recognized that "students should not be required to ‘shop’ among schools and districts to obtain a discrimination-free education,” because “[s]chools play a pivotal role in a young person’s development and intellectual, mental, and emotional health.” 

In the news

* *Osseo district to pay $61,500 to student who was sexually harassed by assistant principal (Star Tribune) [ [link removed] ]*
* *State settles with Osseo school district over student sexual harassment case (MPR) [ [link removed] ]*
* *Osseo school district to pay student $61k after sexual harassment (KARE 11) [ [link removed] ]*

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