The Red Wing School District has canceled a Black History Month event featuring Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison due to “concerns over significant disruptions.”
Superintendent Bob Jaszczak announced the move in a letter to parents and faculty Wednesday. He did not elaborate on what disruptions were anticipated and did not immediately return a request for more information from the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Ellison, who has been outspoken about his opposition to President Donald Trump’s initiatives regarding deportations and transgender athletes, was set to speak at Red Wing High School on Thursday in an optional assembly for students.
The event was meant to celebrate historic achievements of Black leaders, particularly those who broke through barriers in public service, according to the school district. Ellison is the first Black person to be elected to a statewide constitutional office in Minnesota.
In his letter, Jaszczak said the district’s “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,” the statement continued.
The move to cancel the event comes as the Trump administration has attacked Ellison for not embracing its immigration mandates.
Wednesday, the White House released a memo that called out Ellison and two St. Paul officials for public statements they’ve made about local law enforcement not needing to cooperate with federal efforts to arrest and deport noncitizens.
