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In February 2022, Wellesley Public Schools (WPS) settled a federal lawsuit with Parents Defending Education (PDE) over the district’s creation of affinity groups for Black, Latinx, Asian, and other students of color. WPS had added affinity spaces as part of its strategic equity plan for 2020-25 and viewed them as an “opportunity for people within an identity group to openly share their experiences without risk of feeling like they will offend someone from another group, and without another group’s voices.”

In its complaint, PDE argued:

“Because racial affinity groups divide children by race, these groups foster racial division and do far more harm than good.” 

The settlement includes 15 items of agreement between the two parties, including that WPS will include a disclaimer in all announcements about affinity-based groups that reads: “This event is open to all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender, identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.”

Nicole Neily, President of Parents Defending Education, stated:

“This settlement sends a clear message that racially segregating students in public schools is wrong – and there will be consequences. We have spent decades teaching our kids that racial segregation was and will always be wrong. We will not tolerate a return to segregation in 2022.”

Wellesley Public Schools released a statement calling the settlement a win:

“The dismissal is a win for Wellesley Public Schools and every school district engaged in important equity work. Under the notice of dismissal filed yesterday, PDE is not entitled to any form of injunctive relief from the Court, is not entitled to any monetary relief, and WPS admits no liability.”

Updated – July 15, 2022

Wellesley Public Schools serves 4,186 students. The district includes seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.