District settles lawsuit over groups for students of color

By PHILIP MARCELO
Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts school district has settled a federal lawsuit challenging its creation of affinity groups for Black, Latinx and Asian students. Parents Defending Education has agreed to drop its suit while Wellesley Public Schools will make it clear that the groups are open to any and all students. The agreement was filed in Boston federal court on Monday. Wellesley school officials said the settlement “unequivocally protected” its right to organize affinity groups and impose a new policy on reporting bias. Parents Defending Education said the agreements “sends a clear message” that racially segregating students in public schools is wrong.