Discrimination Complaint Over Newton Play Meritless, Inquiry Finds

NEWTON, MA – The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has closed investigations into allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin – Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – at Newton Public Schools.

In a letter dated March 29, OCR said they found no evidence of violation of the law with regard to the staging and production of “Lost and Found: Our Stories as People of Color” at Newton North High School in January 2023.

The play was “a no-cut, cabaret-style show for students of color at North…to provide a safe community space for students of color to express themselves through the performing arts,” according to the play’s audition packet.

A conservative parent advocacy group, Parents Defending Education (PDE), filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Newton North High School in November of 2022, claiming the school only allowed students of color to participate in the play.

Interim Superintendent of Newton Public Schools Kathleen Smith said in a news release she is "pleased that this complaint has been closed and that we may move forward in continuing to provide opportunities for students to perform and express themselves in a variety of ways."

"While centered in the stories of the lives of our students of color, no one was turned away or excluded from participating or having a role in the 'Lost and Found' production. In fact, we were pleased to have a wonderfully diverse cast and crew who brought the entire show to life," Smith added.

The play was put on through the school’s Theatre Ink program, which provides opportunities for students to tell and celebrate the narratives and stories of those who have been historically underrepresented.

"The Newton Public Schools remain committed to actively encouraging all students to participate in Fine and Performing Arts programs, particularly students of color, who have been vastly underrepresented in theater programs to date," school officials said in a news release.