US Rep. Finstad Asks State to Look Into Rochester Public Schools Curriculum
Finstad says the program may shape social studies lessons, while Rochester officials say it was cited only as a methodology note.
- On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Brad Finstad requested that Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett investigate Rochester Public Schools, citing concerns that the Southern Poverty Law Center's "Learning for Justice" frameworks are integrated into classroom instruction.
- Finstad's inquiry followed school board documents allegedly showing curricula "informed by Learning for Justice," though RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel clarified the reference appeared only as "essentially a footnote" in a 2022 agenda item.
- RPS officials stated the district has not adopted or implemented the program, adding that Commissioner Jett lacks authority over local curriculum decisions, while Pekel expressed disappointment that Finstad contacted the state instead of reaching out directly.
- "We are not in the business of ideologically programming kids," Pekel said, affirming that recent social studies curriculum approvals did not include any materials created by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Finstad contends the program promotes "leftwing activism" and gender ideology, continuing to seek transparency regarding the Southern Poverty Law Center's influence on K-12 education despite the district's denials.
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Pine Journal
US Rep. Finstad asks state to look into Rochester Public Schools curriculum
ROCHESTER — U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, on Tuesday, June 23, sent a letter to Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett asking the commissioner to look into "influence of the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) Learning for Justice program and related social justice frameworks being integrated into Rochester Public School District." According to a message from Finstad's office, RPS school board documents show that social studies cu…
Update: Finstad letter draws response from Minnesota Department of Education
On Wednesday, Rochester Public Schools responded to a letter Congressman Brad Finstad sent to the Minnesota Department of Education. In that letter, Finstad alleged that RPS's curriculum is informed by a Southern Poverty Law Center learning program.
Finstad asks feds to look into Rochester Public Schools social studies curriculum
ROCHESTER — U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, on Tuesday, June 23, sent a letter to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Commissioner Willie Jett asking the commissioner to look into "influence of the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) Learning for Justice program and related social justice frameworks being integrated into Rochester Public School District." According to a message sent from Finstad's office, RPS school board documents show that social…
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