Portland Student Center Under Federal Investigation

Probe alleges racial discrimination in services for Black students

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Department of Education has launched an investigation into Portland Public Schools' Adair-Grice Center of Excellence, a voter-approved initiative to provide services for Black students, following a complaint from the conservative advocacy group Defending Education that the center discriminates based on race. The investigation could jeopardize the $16 million center's future and the district's federal funding if a Title VI violation is found.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions around efforts to address racial disparities in education, with advocates arguing targeted support is necessary while opponents claim it amounts to illegal discrimination. The outcome could set a precedent for similar programs nationwide.

The details

The center, initially known as the Center for Black Student Excellence, was renamed to honor two prominent local Black educators. Defending Education alleges the district is illegally providing services only to Black students and families. However, supporters say the center is crucial to closing the 50% achievement gap between Black and white students in Portland.

  • The Department of Education launched its investigation in February 2026 following a complaint from Defending Education.
  • The Adair-Grice Center of Excellence was approved by voters and is set to open in 2028 after $16 million in renovations.

The players

James Posey

President of the Portland NAACP, a key advocate for the center.

Defending Education

A conservative advocacy group that filed the complaint alleging racial discrimination.

Norman Williams

A law professor who says proving a Title VI violation could take months or more than a year.

Portland Public Schools

The school district that approved the center and is now under federal investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We had to fight for the simple privilege of being educated like everybody else. There's a 50% achievement gap between black and white kids. We're never going to close this gap unless we do something that lifts our kids up.”

— James Posey, Portland NAACP President

“PPS has purchased a $16 million commercial building for the CBSE that needs millions in renovations and will sit vacant for more than two years. That kind of flagrant racial preferencing isn't just fiscally irresponsible, it's illegal.”

— Defending Education

“The investigation really does have to look underneath the surface. It's not just about looking at the title of this center, it's about looking at, okay, what services has this center been providing, what students has it been offering these services to, and has it turned any student away.”

— Norman Williams, Law Professor

What’s next

If the Department of Education finds a Title VI violation, it could affect the district's federal funding and force Portland Public Schools to reevaluate the center's services to ensure they are offered to all students regardless of race.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to address racial disparities in education, with advocates arguing targeted support is necessary while opponents claim it amounts to illegal discrimination. The outcome could set a precedent for similar programs nationwide.