We're Building an Education System Rooted in Joy, Justice, & Belonging
At Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP), we’re working alongside students, parents, educators, district leaders, higher ed leaders, and community members—Minnesotans just like you—to advance racial justice and educational excellence for Minnesota students.
Together, we can transform education policies, practices, and public narratives to build a racially just education system where every student is honored, uplifted, and supported to thrive.
We are at a critical turning point in public education, driven by the federal deconstruction of policies and funding that have long supported equity and inclusion.
MnEEP is stepping up—as we always have—to lead.
We’re organizing across the education nonprofit sector to defend and uphold racial and cultural inclusion in schools and colleges, and to reimagine how education is funded in Minnesota.
We’ve already begun: speaking out publicly, offering webinar trainings, publishing online toolkits to protect student rights, and convening the first statewide gathering of education nonprofits.
This is a long-term fight—at least four years—and sustained, multi-year support is essential to carry this movement forward with power and purpose.”
—Carlos Mariani Rosa, MnEEP Executive Director
Toolkit: Creating Safe & Supportive Schools for Immigrant & EL Students
Amid growing concerns about ICE enforcement and its impact on immigrant students, MnEEP’s new toolkit, Creating Safe & Supportive Schools for Immigrant and EL Students, provides practical tools and strategies for schools to respond effectively. This resource is designed to help educators and leaders create safe, equitable learning environments where immigrant and EL students feel protected, valued, and supported.
Grounded in actionable steps, legal frameworks, and equity-centered practices, this guide empowers school leaders and educators to safeguard students’ educational rights and wellbeing while fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging for every learner.
Racial Equity
Race equity is a path from hope to justice— where People of Color and Indigenous people (POCI) use their personal agency to build systems of healing and liberation that uplift and value the human dignity of all people.
Race equity in education means the humanity of POCI students is honored and celebrated in all education spaces, and the racial predictability and disproportionality of student achievement is eliminated.
To that end, race equity in education is not merely a value or the absence of racial inequities or disparities. It means that all education systems and structures are just and inclusive, and every student uses their power to shape the world and who they want to be in it.
Our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Racial equity in education means the humanity of students of color and Indigenous students (POCI) is honored and uplifted in all education spaces, and the racial predictability and disproportionality of student achievement is eliminated in Minnesota schools.
Read more below about how we’re working to inform key policies to achieve better outcomes for Minnesota’s POCI students, and better outcomes for Minnesota.
Increasing higher-ed access and retention for POCI students
Investing in and supporting English Learner students and educators
Advancing multiracial, integrated learning environments to enhance student outcomes
News & Updates
Our Vision
Our Five Big Bold Goals for building race equity
We center Five Core Areas and Five Big Bold Goals for building a path from hope to education justice. One where we fundamentally transform the historical systems and structures of racism in ourselves, our institutions, and our communities to build an education system that celebrates the humanity of each student.
Minnesota educational leaders and cultural communities create equitable education systems, structures, and public narratives.
Minnesota educational systems are designed to bring POCI students into relationships with schools and teachers that promote their human dignity.
Minnesota educational systems advance racially and culturally responsive teaching and learning environments for teachers and students.
Minnesota educational leaders embrace the language and culture of each student, and value the home language of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian students as vital for their academic success.
Minnesota higher-education systems are transformed to be racially just, responsive, and accessible for students of color and American Indian students.
Our Model
Working together to transform systems
To build a prosperous future for all Minnesotans, we must fundamentally transform the historical systems and structures that continue to disenfranchise students of color and American Indian students in Minnesota.
MnEEP works alongside communities, educators, districts, and racial equity advocates at every level of systems change to inform, shape, and build a better education system that honors the goals and needs of POCI students and ensures each student in Minnesota has the opportunity to thrive.
Research
Using a race equity lens to guide essential research, policy recommendations, and best practices for advancing racial equity and excellence in all education spaces
Policy
Working alongside education leaders and race equity advocates to inform, shape, and advocate for core policies that support the success of Minnesota’s POCI students.
Advocacy
Supporting families, communities, students, districts, educators, and higher-ed staff and faculty in building a movement for racial equity and excellence in education.
Networks
Deepening relationships, sharing insights, and building best practices and advocacy for advancing race equity and excellence in education in Minnesota.
Educator Leadership Services
Providing training, educator support, and race equity planning for districts and institutions across the state.
Narrative Change
Shifting perceptions and narratives to build meaningful connections, deepen understanding, and increase advocacy for building a racially just education system.
Join Us!
You can advance education equity in Minnesota
We’re transforming practices, policies, and public narratives to build an education system—and a Minnesota—where everyone can build the lives they deserve.