MN District Cancels Black History Event Over Risk Of 'Disruptions'

RED WING, MN — The Red Wing School District canceled a Black History Month event with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison because of "concerns over significant disruptions."

Superintendent Bob Jaszczak announced the decision in a letter to parents and faculty Wednesday but did not specify the nature of the anticipated disruptions.

Jaszczak assured the community that its "commitment to uplifting the voices and experiences of our most marginalized students remains steadfast."

"Educating students about racial harm is essential to help them recognize how words and actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can perpetuate discrimination and inequality," he added.

Thursday's event was set to celebrate historic achievements of Black leaders, particularly those who broke through barriers in public service, the Star Tribune reported.

Students in Red Wing are planning to stage a walkout on Friday to protest the cancellation.

Ellison has been embroiled in several legal battles with President Donald Trump this month, including over immigration enforcement and transgender athlete policies.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday said "Minnesota should be on notice" over its plan to defy President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women’s sports.

In a separate statement Tuesday titled "Sick Politicians Want Killers, Rapists Roaming Our Streets," the White House criticized Ellison's stance that the U.S. Constitution prohibits local law enforcement from holding people in jail for the sole purpose of turning them over to federal immigration authorities.

The White House blamed Minnesota politicians, citing an incident in St. Paul where ICE arrested three foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions: a Sudanese national convicted of raping a child under 13, a Mexican national convicted of criminal sexual conduct against a victim under 14, and a Laotian national convicted of child endangerment and criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under 13.