Minnesota school cancels career event after anti-White discrimination complaint
The St. Paul high school district in Minnesota had set up a career event for students who "identify as a student of color" to help expose them to digital marketing and advertising careers, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. Retired professor Mark Perry responded by arguing it violated Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act and the anti-discrimination policy of the district itself. This is one of many schools across the nation that have made headlines for hosting events that purportedly appeared to exclude White students.
"Just as it would be illegal and objectionable for [Highland Park Senior High School] to offer a field trip that explicitly excluded students of color... it's equally illegal and objectionable to host a racially segregated field trip exclusively for 'students of color,'" Perry wrote in a letter Tuesday to Principal Winston Tucker and the The BrandLab agency behind the event.
Perry reportedly described himself in this letter as a "full-time civil rights activist who has successfully filed nearly 1,000 federal civil rights complaints against many hundreds of U.S. colleges, universities and K-12 public schools."
California State University Changes 'Illegal' Program That Excluded White Men
Tucker reportedly told the retired professor that very day that The BrandLab was canceling the event.
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Perry had also reportedly called out the district with a similar civil rights complaint for planning a "Girls in Science" learning program, which has changed to a "Kids in Science" program.
While he filed his complaint this week with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights in Chicago, the Star Tribune reported that he now plans to withdraw it "once a case number for the complaint is assigned."
With the event now being canceled, "the basis for a Title VI complaint no longer exists," he said.
St. Paul Public Schools spokesperson Erica Wacker responded to the incident by arguing the district is careful about its anti-discrimination policy. One example she cited to The Star Tribune is that National African American Parent Involvement Day is "designed for a specific group of people, but it's open to anyone." She contested that when mistakes are made, however, they typically are due to an external partner.
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Wacker told Fox News Digital, "From the school district's perspective, Saint Paul Public Schools values our partnerships with community organizations like The BrandLab and the opportunities they provide for our students. The district remains committed to providing post-secondary and career-related opportunities for all of our students to pursue their passions."
The BrandLab also spoke to The Star Tribune, declaring it is "committed to inclusivity in marketing and advertising, truly representing the world we live in," and that it is working with the same high school to set up a new event.
The BrandLab's declares on its website that it seeks to "empower young talent from Indigenous, Black, Brown, AAPI and Hispanic/Latinx backgrounds."
Fox News Digital reached out to The BrandLab and received a response from its CEO, Kelli Williams.
"The BrandLab is a nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities with operations in Milwaukee as well. The organization has been in existence for over 15 years and is committed to inclusivity in marketing and advertising, truly representing the world we live in," Williams' statement read.
Williams confirmed the trip was indeed canceled.
"One of our programs provides exposure opportunities for high school students to learn more about the advertising and marketing professions through field trips to local agencies and businesses. We were working with Highland Park High School to find 11th and 12th grade students interested in attending a field trip on Thursday, February 27th," she wrote. "There was a complaint filed regarding this field trip. As a result, we did cancel the field trip for Thursday. "
While Fox News Digital had asked in an inquiry about whether "inclusivity" means also including White students, and whether the new event will include students of all races, Williams addressed about the importance of DEI in the current political climate.
"We are working to find an opportunity for students from Highland Park High School to attend a field trip before the end of the school year," her statement read. "Due to evolving policies and economic pressures, companies are being challenged to reevaluate their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Some governmental, corporate and philanthropic funders have redirected resources elsewhere. In response, The BrandLab calls for supporters to ensure that our mission not only endures but expands. The stakes have never been higher, and this support is crucial in sustaining and growing our impact at this pivotal time."Original article source: Minnesota school cancels career event after anti-White discrimination complaint
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5 hours ago
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The White House had announced earlier in the week that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the $550 billion US-bound investment and loans that Japan would exchange in return for reduced tariffs on auto and other exports to the US. This would mean that returns would be split 10% for Japan and 90% for the US, according to the White House official, and that it would be "based on the respective levels of contribution and risk borne by each side." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump: US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. World's No. 3 automaker Kia takes $570M tariff hit in Q2 Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma shares dive after warning of full-year loss, US tariff impact Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. LG Energy Solution warns of slowing EV battery demand due to U.S. tariffs, policy headwinds Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. US business activity rises; tariffs fuel inflation concerns US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. It sounds like Trump now has a new minimum tariff rate: 15% President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. Keurig Dr. Pepper brewer sales volume drops 22%, CEO says tariff impacts 'will become prominent' Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. The EU's Trump insurance As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). Europe approves $100B-plus tariff backup plan A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. Trump tariffs wreaking havoc in Brazil's citrus belt Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. South Korea weighs US investment pledge to trim auto tariff Trade discussions between the US and South Korea have led both sides to investigate the idea of creating a fund to invest in American projects. A report said this possible deal would be similar to the agreement Japan struck Tuesday with President Trump. The details of the plan are still not clear, but the US has been seeking pledges totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. However, further talks on a deal between the two sides may have to wait as a trade meeting between the US and South Korea has been postponed after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent became unavailable due to a scheduling conflict, South Korea's Finance Ministry said Thursday. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Trade discussions between the US and South Korea have led both sides to investigate the idea of creating a fund to invest in American projects. A report said this possible deal would be similar to the agreement Japan struck Tuesday with President Trump. The details of the plan are still not clear, but the US has been seeking pledges totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. However, further talks on a deal between the two sides may have to wait as a trade meeting between the US and South Korea has been postponed after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent became unavailable due to a scheduling conflict, South Korea's Finance Ministry said Thursday. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Hyundai Motor warns of bigger hit from US tariffs after Q2 profit fall Hyundai Motor ( HYMTF) reported a drop in second-quarter operating profit on Thursday. The company cited US tariffs on vehicles and parts as the reason for the decline and that President Trump's trade war had weighed on its bottom line, the automaker also warned of a bigger impact in the current quarter. The group's South Korean shares fell 2% Thursday. Reuters reports: Read more here. Hyundai Motor ( HYMTF) reported a drop in second-quarter operating profit on Thursday. The company cited US tariffs on vehicles and parts as the reason for the decline and that President Trump's trade war had weighed on its bottom line, the automaker also warned of a bigger impact in the current quarter. The group's South Korean shares fell 2% Thursday. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump lifts tariff baseline rate, warns countries face 15-50% range President Trump appears to have raised the minimum US tariff rate to 15%, up from 10%, as he prepares to set new reciprocal tariffs before his Aug. 1 deadline. 'We'll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%,' Trump said Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington. 'A couple of — we have 50 because we haven't been getting along with those countries too well.' Trump's latest statement that tariffs would begin at 15% is a new twist in his efforts to impose duties on almost every US trading partner. The US and Japan reached a trade agreement this week of 15%, which could be one reason why the US president has decided to increase the baseline tariff rate. The European Union said on Wednesday that it is getting ready to impose 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods if no deal is made and if Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after the Aug. 1 deadline. Reports from The Financial Times on Wednesday have said that the EU and the US are now closing in on a 15% trade deal on European imports. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump appears to have raised the minimum US tariff rate to 15%, up from 10%, as he prepares to set new reciprocal tariffs before his Aug. 1 deadline. 'We'll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%,' Trump said Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington. 'A couple of — we have 50 because we haven't been getting along with those countries too well.' Trump's latest statement that tariffs would begin at 15% is a new twist in his efforts to impose duties on almost every US trading partner. The US and Japan reached a trade agreement this week of 15%, which could be one reason why the US president has decided to increase the baseline tariff rate. The European Union said on Wednesday that it is getting ready to impose 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods if no deal is made and if Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after the Aug. 1 deadline. Reports from The Financial Times on Wednesday have said that the EU and the US are now closing in on a 15% trade deal on European imports. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. EU, US reportedly close in on trade deal The Financial Times reports: And more from Bloomberg: Read more here. The Financial Times reports: And more from Bloomberg: Read more here. Trump says he will trade 'Tariff points' for open markets to the US President Trump pushed one of his priorities in negotiating trade deals on Wednesday, and it wasn't exactly trade deficits. He suggested the US would reduce tariffs in exchange for countries opening their markets, i.e., putting zero tariffs on American-made products. "I will always give up Tariff points if I can get major countries to OPEN THEIR MARKETS TO THE USA," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Another great power of Tariffs. Without them, it would be impossible to get countries to OPEN UP!!! ALWAYS, ZERO TARIFFS TO AMERICA!!!" Trump's social media post came after the European Union announced it was preparing countermeasures against US tariffs, including a 30% tariff on over $100 billion worth of goods. Meanwhile, Indonesia agreed to drop its tariffs on US goods to 0% for 99% of trade. President Trump pushed one of his priorities in negotiating trade deals on Wednesday, and it wasn't exactly trade deficits. He suggested the US would reduce tariffs in exchange for countries opening their markets, i.e., putting zero tariffs on American-made products. "I will always give up Tariff points if I can get major countries to OPEN THEIR MARKETS TO THE USA," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Another great power of Tariffs. Without them, it would be impossible to get countries to OPEN UP!!! ALWAYS, ZERO TARIFFS TO AMERICA!!!" Trump's social media post came after the European Union announced it was preparing countermeasures against US tariffs, including a 30% tariff on over $100 billion worth of goods. Meanwhile, Indonesia agreed to drop its tariffs on US goods to 0% for 99% of trade. Detroit Three automakers raise concerns about Japan trade deal A group representing General Motors (GM) Ford (F) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLA) raised concerns on Tuesday about the US-Japan trade deal, which could cut tariffs on auto imports from Japan to 15% while leaving tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico at 25%. Reuters reports: Read more here. A group representing General Motors (GM) Ford (F) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLA) raised concerns on Tuesday about the US-Japan trade deal, which could cut tariffs on auto imports from Japan to 15% while leaving tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico at 25%. Reuters reports: Read more here. SAP falls as trade war concerns temper strong cloud growth Bloomberg News: Read more here. Bloomberg News: Read more here. EU readies over $100B no-deal plan to match US 30% tariff The European Union announced on Wednesday it plans to hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. A European Commission spokesman said that the first part of countermeasures would combine an already approved list of tariffs on $24 billion of US goods and a previously proposed list on an additional on $83 billion of American products into one package. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The European Union announced on Wednesday it plans to hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. A European Commission spokesman said that the first part of countermeasures would combine an already approved list of tariffs on $24 billion of US goods and a previously proposed list on an additional on $83 billion of American products into one package. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. European auto shares rally after US-Japan trade deal Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here.
