PINE CITY, Minn. — The Pine City Public Schools has reached a settlement agreement with a student who was racially harassed during the 2020-2021 school year, according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).
An investigation by MDHR revealed that a seventh grader was "repeatedly intimidated, bullied and harassed" because of her race by more than ten students.
According to the release, the student and her parents consistently reported the bullying to school officials and the district did not take timely and appropriate action to stop it or prevent further harassment.
As a result, Pine City schools are required to pay $65,000 to the student and change their policies and procedures to prevent future bullying of students.
"Children deserve the opportunity to thrive, socially and academically, in school," Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said in the release. "Today's announcement serves as a reminder to schools across the state of their legal responsibilities under the Minnesota Human Rights Act to proactively prevent and stop harassment and discrimination."
To report harassment and discrimination, contact MDHR by submitting an online report.
