US News
Montana settles lawsuit over implementation of Indigenous education mandate
The state Office of Public Instruction agreed to enforce compliance and track funding under the Indian Education for All Act.
The short version
- Montana's Office of Public Instruction reached a settlement in a 2021 class-action lawsuit filed by students, families, and Native American tribes.
- The agreement requires state education officials to use accreditation systems, formalize tribal consultations, and audit school spending under the Indian Education for All Act.
- The settlement has received preliminary approval from a district court judge and awaits final court approval following a notice period.
Key facts
- Montana students, families, and tribal groups reached a settlement with the Montana Office of Public Instruction to settle a 2021 class-action lawsuit.[Associated Press]
- The 2021 lawsuit alleged that the state failed to properly enforce the constitutional mandate and the 1999 Indian Education for All Act requiring public schools to teach Native American history and culture.[Associated Press]
- Court filings claimed that in 2019 and 2020, only 10% of Montana school districts properly accounted for how their dedicated state education funds were spent.[Associated Press]
- Under the preliminary settlement, the state agreed to audit at least seven school districts' spending annually, publish a list of noncompliant schools, and potentially reduce funding for noncompliance.[Associated Press]
- The Montana Board of Public Education resolved its portion of the same lawsuit in May 2025 by agreeing to revise content standards and expand teacher training.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The settlement remains pending final court approval following a required public notice period.[Associated Press]
Sources
- Montana agrees to accountability for Indigenous educationAssociated Press