Rapid City, SD—As of April 1, 2025, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has terminated the Voluntary Resolution Agreement (Agreement) between the Rapid City Area School District and the OCR regarding the District’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically regarding discipline, truancy, and advanced learning opportunities for Native American students.
This directive by the OCR follows President Trump’s Executive Order on “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which directs federal agencies to eliminate race-based policies in education, employment, and government programs. The District will follow the directives from the OCR and all applicable federal laws.
The District has invested substantial resources in complying with the terms of the Agreement and will continue its efforts to support all students, ensuring that discipline policies remain fair, truancy interventions are effective, and advanced learning opportunities are accessible to students.
“While political priorities may shift, our core educational values remain steadfast. Our mission remains to provide a safe, positive, and nondiscriminatory learning environment where all students can achieve their full potential,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Cory Strasser. “As the District adjusts to the latest directive from the OCR, we ask for patience and collaboration as we navigate the next steps. Our work will continue to focus on the foundational pillars of our Strategic Plan—Students, Community, Communication, Facilities, and Staff—ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed, engaged, and supported throughout this transition.”
