Episode Details

The Department of Justice is suing Minneapolis Public Schools for a policy that protects teachers from underrepresented groups from being laid off. Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Hans Buetow and producer Adam Sage to break down what the DOJ's goals are in this lawsuit. The team also gets into possible snowplow names for MnDOT's 2026 Snowplow naming contest, and some good news in Minnesota schools – recent statewide survey results show our students are trending in a positive direction regarding their mental health, substance use, connection with school and family, and a litany of other issues.

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:

• MnDOT’s 2025-26 Name a Snowplow contest (MnDOT)
• All 50 of MnDOT’s 2025 Name-a-Snowplow Finalists, Ranked (Racket)
• Trump admin sues Minneapolis schools over layoff protections for teachers of color (Minnesota Reformer)
• Justice Department Sues Minneapolis Public Schools for Racial Discrimination Against Teachers (Department of Justice)
• How many Black male teachers are there in the US? (USAFacts)
• Survey: Minnesota students faring better compared to a few years ago (Minnesota Reformer)
• Minnesota Student Survey Reports 2013-2025 (MN Department of Education)

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode:

• Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
• Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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