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Parents tell Cloquet board they fear racism and unsafe conduct toward Indigenous students; board notes active investigation
Summary
During public comment parents described experiences of racism, alleged 'grooming' behaviors toward elementary students and urged district action; the chair stopped detailed public naming because there is an active investigation and encouraged following the district's investigation processes.
Multiple parents who identified themselves as Cloquet School District families raised alarm during the public-comment period, telling the board they believe Indigenous students have experienced racism and, in at least one case alleged during comments, predatory or "grooming" behaviors affecting fourth-grade girls.
Amelia Lafave (also presented her maiden name Amelia Lagarde during remarks), identified herself as a mother from Grand Portage, spoke at length and said she had raised concerns by email and in conversation with the superintendent. "I've learned that it's not a unique situation that is being experienced by those indigenous students here in the Cloquet School District," Lafave said, adding she feared retaliation and urged the board to take the concerns seriously. She described historical trauma and urged more language and cultural programming for students.
The board chair intervened to stop further specific allegations from being aired in public, noting there is an "active ongoing look at this incident" and instructing speakers to limit comments to overarching concerns so the investigation could proceed without exposing student identities or details. The superintendent said the district has processes to address sensitive personal or student matters consistent with state and federal privacy law and recommended that parents use the district's reporting channels and that administration provide appropriate follow-up.
Another parent repeated similar concerns and urged the board to listen and respond. Board members thanked the speakers and asked staff to coordinate follow-up through the district's director of American Indian education and legal counsel.
No disciplinary or investigative outcomes were disclosed at the meeting. The board emphasized that specifics would be handled through the district's investigation and appropriate privacy-protected channels rather than during public comment.
