Email from Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Wisconsin's Racial Achievement Gap Among Worst in Nation. Here's Why In a new report, “Beyond Race: What Really Drives Wisconsin’s Achievement Gap,” WILL examines why Wisconsin has some of the largest academic achievement gaps between black and white students in the nation—and finds that poverty, family structure, and early literacy explain much of this disparity. Wisconsin’s race achievement gaps are not just large – they are among the worst in the country. On the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Wisconsin posted the largest black-white gap in fourth grade nationwide – exceeding gaps in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. On Wisconsin’s most recent Forward Exam, the gap between black and white proficiency in Wisconsin was 43 percentage points. Our report found that poverty and family structure are some of the largest drivers of Wisconsin’s race achievement gap. Factors such as disability status and the lack of time some parents spend with their child on early literacy also play a role. While many policymakers attribute racial achievement gaps solely to systemic inequities, WILL’s analysis investigates the extent to which other factors such as poverty, disability status, and family structure to explain the relationship between race and academic performance. Learn More Trump Administration Launches Title IX Investigation of New Richmond School District WILL issued a statement in response to the Department of Education’s announcement of a Title IX investigation into the New Richmond School District. The investigation comes amid a national debate on the issue and follows controversy in the New Richmond School District, where a policy allowing biological boys to use girls’ bathrooms sparked concern among parents and students. WILL has also filed Title IX complaints against Westosha Central High School and the Sun Prairie Area School District (an investigation opened in 2023 is still pending) following concerns from parents that biological boys were using the girls’ private locker rooms and bathrooms. WILL Deputy Counsel, Cory Brewer, stated, “This is a welcome decision by the Trump Administration to enforce Title IX and protect girls’ privacy. For too long, school districts in Wisconsin have allowed policies that force young girls to share private spaces with biological males. The Department of Education should continue to press for full enforcement of Title IX across the state. We have already filed a Title IX complaint against Westosha Central High School and are hopeful the federal investigation into the Sun Prairie Area School District will bring accountability.” Read More Government Must Prove Why Public Records Are Withheld, Says WILL Today, WILL filed an amicus brief with the Wisconsin Transparency Project to ensure government officials prove a public record is exempt from disclosure before denying access. We are fighting to keep public records truly public by clarifying that the burden of proof rests entirely on the government. Officials must prove a record is exempt if they deny access; otherwise, they must release it immediately. Read our amicus brief below to see how we are defending Wisconsinites right to know. Learn More WILL Calls on Governor Evers to Sign WIAA Transparency Bill WILL recently sent a letter to Governor Evers requesting that he sign Senate Bill 16 into law. This bill prohibits school districts from joining athletic associations unless those groups follow state public records and open meeting laws. While the WIAA governs high school sports using public dollars, it currently operates with very little public oversight or transparency. We believe parents and athletes deserve to understand the decisions that significantly impact their lives. Last year, WILL took the WIAA to court on behalf of our client, Macy Weigel, who was forced to sit out one-year of varity sports due to the WIAA's "transfer rule." WILL sued and helped Macy and her family fight back, forcing the WIAA to follow its own rules and restore Macy’s eligibility. Read More WILL Moves Into Historic Lion House Nearly 15 years after opening, WILL has officially moved our office headquarters to the historic Lion House in downtown Milwaukee. To accommodate our growing team, this move provides the necessary space to house our entire staff under one historic roof. We look forward to continuing our mission of defending freedom and upholding the Constitution from this landmark location right off Lake Michigan. APRIL 24: WILL School Board Summit! Registration is now open for our 3rd Annual Wisconsin School Board Summit, taking place on Friday, April 24. This year’s summit will again bring together school board members, administrators, and education leaders from across the state for a day of practical sessions, expert speakers, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow educators committed to restoring excellence in Wisconsin education. Keep an eye out for the 2026 WILL School Board Summit agenda and speakers! Sign-Up Here Donate to WILL Today! Together, we will make sure that our freedoms are protected for our children and grandchildren. Help us continue to be a beacon of hope and liberty for all! Your friendly donation helps fuel our mission and keep the ideals of America's founding fathers alive. Donate Here! 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