Official LCOOU Public Statement Regarding LCCA Charter
October 4, 2022
To Whom It May Concern,
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Authorizing Board (The University Board) held a special meeting today. Continued authorization of Lake Country Classical Academy (LCCA) was the discussion topic. The Board, per University Presidents recommendation held the meeting after learning that Larry Arnn, Hillsdale College President made inflammatory, derogatory, and racist comments captured by hidden camera.
The University Board originally approved LCCA to use Hillsdale’s classical curriculum. LCCA throughout the charter school application process repeatedly assured the University Board that it was using the classical curriculum only and not the controversial 1776 curriculum that whitewashes or eliminates certain aspects of history especially as it relates to racial conflict.
Today, the University Board directed the President to notify LCCA Leadership that it plans to let the current contract expire on June 30, 2023, and not sign a new contract for 2023 unless LCCA agrees to meet specific conditions. The conditions are as follows.
The conditions under which the University is willing to consider an intent to renew are as follows: (a) LCCA is required to publicly and immediately denounce the June 2022 racist and derogatory comments made by Hillsdale President Larry Arnn and provide LCOOU with evidence. His remarks and the 1776 curriculum run contrary to our Mission and our contractual relationship; (b) LCCA is required to end its relationship with Hillsdale College, Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI), and any and all other Hillsdale affiliations by December 30, 2022; and (c) all LCCA Board Members, Administrators and Teachers are required to attend Ojibwe/indigenous cultural training with an LCOOU approved provider by December 6, 2022 and submit evidence to the University Board this requirement is met.
The University Board and President strongly condemn President Arnn’s remarks. The University Board and President have made it very clear that it will not affiliate with any organization that condones or supports racist behavior.