Newton School Play Only Allowing Students Of Color To Join: Complaint

NEWTON, MA — Newton North High School (NNHS) is facing a federal civil rights complaint after a parent group claimed it is putting on a play that only students of color are allowed to participate in.

The high school is putting on a production titled "Lost and Found: Stories of People of Color by People of Color" through its Theatre Ink program. According to the information packet, the play is described as “a no-cut cabaret-style show for students of color at North” and is meant "to provide a safe community space for students of color to express themselves through the performing arts.”

Now, the play has prompted the advocacy group Parents Defending Education (PDE) to file a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against NNHS.

The complaint states that the school is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

It also notes that students are required to submit a headshot when registering for audition slots, which PDE says "appears to reinforce the identity-based nature of this event.” The registration form also asks students how they identify racially or ethnically and does not say that participation in the performance is open to all.

In response to the complaint, NNHS issued the following statement:

The Newton Public Schools are committed to actively encouraging all students to participate in our Fine and Performing Arts programs, particularly students of color, who have been vastly underrepresented in our programs.

While centered in the stories of the lives of our students of color, no one is turned away or excluded from participating or having a role in the “Lost and Found” production of Theatre Ink, Newton North's teaching and working theater program. The Newton Public Schools do not exclude students based upon color, race, ethnicity, or religious background.

“Lost and Found” is a student designed and student directed production. We support the premise and educational value of this performance. We are proud of our students for the hard work they do to not only assemble a diverse group of performers, but also to challenge each other to have difficult conversations around societal issues.

Theatre Ink has consistently provided opportunities for students to tell and celebrate the narratives and stories of those who have been historically underrepresented. Amplifying the stories, experiences, and history of students of color is just one component of our diverse fine and performing arts programs.