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Board approves graduation-rule update that mentions ethnic studies; members debate content and requirements
Summary
Faribault school board approved updated graduation requirements (policy 6-13) that reference ethnic-studies courses; the policy passed 4–2 after board members raised questions about whether ethnic-studies is a required standalone course and concerns about content.
The Faribault Public School District Board of Education voted on April 21 to adopt an updated graduation-requirements policy (Policy 6-13) that includes language allowing an ethnic-studies course to fulfill certain credit requirements if it meets applicable state and local standards.
Why it matters: The change sparked a substantive debate among board members about curriculum content, state requirements and community expectations. Director Linda Moore said she would vote against the policy, citing concerns about ethnic-studies content and alleging that the subject reflected ideological positions she opposed; other board members said the policy aligns with state expectations and allows flexibility for how credit is awarded.
What the policy text says: According to the language the board considered, an ethnic-studies course may fulfill a social‑studies, language-arts, arts, math or science credit if it meets applicable state and academic standards; it may also satisfy an elective credit if it meets local standards or other requirements. Board members asked whether the course must be a stand-alone offering or whether standards can be embedded in existing courses.
Board discussion and vote: Director Moore framed her opposition around concerns about content and its alignment with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and other legal considerations she cited; other board members asked for clarification of whether the state requires an ethnic-studies course or simply standards in ethnic studies. Superintendent Benty and staff explained they would clarify whether the requirement could be met by embedded standards or by a standalone course and promised the board implementation details to accompany the policy. The policy passed on a recorded vote of 4 in favor and 2 opposed.
Context: Board members said the policy change is in response to Minnesota standards and the statewide agenda; staff told the board the state is requiring ethnic-studies standards to be taught and that the district must align curriculum accordingly. The board requested a follow-up item to confirm whether ethnic-studies must be delivered as a stand-alone course or can be embedded, and to provide a timeline for compliance and curriculum implementation.
What’s next: Teaching & Learning staff will return with clarifying information about how the ethnic-studies requirement will be implemented (stand‑alone course vs. embedded standards), curriculum alignment documents and a recommended implementation schedule.
