Anoka-Hennepin Lawsuits Settled; Federal Judge Approves Orders | Schools

Lawsuits between Anoka-Hennepin students and the school district have been officially settled after a federal court judge approved the documents.  

Six students brought lawsuits against the school district, alleging gender and sexual orientation-related harassment. The agreement was reached with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

The complaints were resolved with a consent decree that includes a plan to address incidents of harassment in the district in the future. This includes expert evaluations and tailored action.  

In a statement from the district, Superintendent Dennis Carlson said, “All students deserve a safe learning environment, and the District is looking forward to continuing to broaden and strengthen its commitment to provide anti-harassment and anti-bullying programs."

He added that the district isn’t able to fully tell their side of the story because of data privacy laws but that staff members investigated and responded properly to reported harassment “without exception.”

As part of the agreement, the district will be monitored for the implementation of the plan through 2017. The lawsuits will be dismissed with the district denying fault or wrongdoing.

A federal court judge has issued orders approving the following settlements with students at the Anoka-Hennepin school district:

Minor Plaintiff D.M.-B and next friends and parents, Michael McGee and Jason Backes
Minor Plaintiff D.F. and next friends and parents, Burnetta Frei and Jeffrey Frei
Minor Plaintiff B.G. and next friends and parents Marty Geldert and Michael Geldert
Minor Plaintiff K.R. and next friends and parents Rebecca Rooker and Jim Rooker