WASHINGTON/PROVIDENCE, Sept 23 – The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Providence Public School District, accusing them of unlawful racial discrimination in a student loan forgiveness initiative.
The program, called the Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program, offers up to $25,000 in student debt relief for newly hired teachers who identify as nonwhite and agree to teach in Providence schools for at least three years. White teachers are excluded from eligibility.
Federal prosecutors argue this violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Rhode Island, alleges the program constitutes a “pattern or practice of discrimination.”
“While the goal of attracting more diverse teachers may be understandable, no employer may lawfully provide or withhold benefits based on race,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, head of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
According to court documents, the DOJ is seeking a declaration that the program is unlawful, a permanent injunction against implementing similar policies, and relief for teachers excluded solely because they are white.
How the Program Works
The program, launched in 2021, was designed to recruit and retain educators of color in Providence. Eligible applicants must hold at least $5,000 in student loan debt and commit to three years of teaching. It was created in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
Emergency Pushback
The Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence officials said they had engaged in talks with the DOJ to resolve the issue before litigation, and expressed surprise at the lawsuit. Critics argue that scrapping the program entirely could weaken efforts to diversify the teaching workforce.
Broader Implications
The lawsuit underscores rising legal challenges to race-based hiring and diversity programs across the United States. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for other states or school districts considering race-conscious incentives.
If the court sides with DOJ, the program may be restructured to include teachers of all races. Some white educators who were previously excluded may also seek compensation.
The case arrives at a time of heightened debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives nationwide, with federal courts increasingly scrutinizing policies that treat applicants differently based on race.
The Providence Public School District has not yet commented on whether it will suspend or continue the program during litigation.
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