News Summary
Broward County Public Schools will cancel the Latinos in Action leadership course after a U.S. Department of Education ruling declared it a violation of civil rights law. Approximately 2,800 students enrolled in the program will be affected. Local officials express concern over the decision, which could jeopardize up to $30 million in federal funding. The ruling raises questions about the future of educational initiatives for specific cultural groups amid fears of broader implications for minority support programs.
Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is set to cancel its Latinos in Action leadership course for the upcoming spring semester following a ruling from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) which found the course to be in violation of federal civil rights law. This decision affects approximately 2,800 students currently enrolled in the elective class, which is offered at 44 middle and high schools within the district.
The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights determined that Latinos in Action is specifically designed for Latino students, excluding Black, White, and Asian American students, which constitutes a violation of civil rights regulations. Failure to comply with the DOE’s findings could result in BCPS losing up to $30 million in federal funding.
The DOE emphasized that the Latinos in Action program is “explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity” and described it as having a quota system that discriminates based on race. The objective of the program has been to empower Latino youth, focusing on college and career readiness while fostering community leadership among its participants.
In light of the ruling, BCPS officials confirmed that they aim to transition away from the current curriculum by the start of the spring semester. The district has yet to clarify whether associated extracurricular activities, such as clubs related to Latinos in Action, will continue after the course’s cancellation.
The cancellation is particularly significant in Broward County, where approximately 33% of the population is Hispanic. Local leaders have expressed concern over the federal government’s decision. Pembroke Pines city commissioner Maria Rodriguez criticized the DOE’s ruling, suggesting that it targets Broward Schools and arguing for the continual need for initiatives like Latinos in Action. School board member Dr. Allen Zeman labeled the federal action as “extortion,” asserting that the funding in question has no direct ties to the Latinos in Action program.
This program, which operates in 16 states, has been implemented in several Florida districts, functioning as an integral part of community engagement and educational support for Latino students. However, Miami-Dade County Public Schools does not have any affiliation with Latinos in Action, indicating a varied approach to such ethnic-centric programs within the state’s educational systems.
The ruling has raised broader concerns regarding the future of educational programs that focus on specific cultural or ethnic groups. School board member Rebecca Thompson mentioned the implications this ruling could have for similar initiatives designed to support other minority groups. Despite the surprise expressed by school board chair Debbi Hixon regarding the sudden federal ruling, the district has stated they will adhere to legal guidelines moving forward.
In summary, the cancellation of the Latinos in Action leadership course marks a significant shift in educational offerings within Broward County Public Schools, affecting thousands of students and raising questions about the future of culturally specific programs in the state’s educational landscape. The district is now faced with the challenge of ensuring compliance with federal law while continuing to support the diverse needs of its student body.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Miami: Broward Schools Cancels Latinos in Action Course
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights
- Caribbean National Weekly: Broward Schools to Cancel Latinos in Action Course
- Google Search: Latinos in Action
- NBC Miami: Feds Say Popular School Program for Latinos Discriminates
- Google Scholar: Broward County Public Schools
- Margate Talk: Monarch Latinos in Action Tutors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Equity
- NBC Miami: Department of Education Calls Out Latinos in Action
- Google News: Broward Schools Education
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
