Portland Schools Face Federal Probe Over New Black Student Center

The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation after a complaint alleged that Portland Public Schools engaged in racial preferencing by creating the Center for Black Student Excellence.

• Defending Education, a conservative nonprofit, contended that spending up to $25 million on the center violates Title VI and equal protection rights.
• Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “discrimination disguised as ‘equity’ is discrimination,” and welcomed the probe, claiming it will benefit only one race.
• Portland officials countered that the center is intended for all students and will partner with Black‑led nonprofits to offer tutoring, camps, and other programs.
• The district’s communications director emphasized that the center is part of a broader mission to foster an inclusive environment for every student.

Additional context:

• The federal agency previously opened a civil‑rights case after the district allowed a transgender athlete to join a track team; no ruling has been issued yet.
• The Center for Black Student Excellence is slated to open in North Portland, a former hub of the city’s Black community, with estimated capital expenses of roughly $60 million.
• The investigation follows the department’s recent decision to cut grants aimed at supporting students of color, signaling a shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.