Broward County, Florida, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Broward County Public Schools has canceled the Latinos in Action leadership course for spring semester due to a ruling by the U.S. Department of Education. The program, designed for Latino students, was found to violate federal civil rights law by excluding students of other ethnic backgrounds. This decision affects around 2,800 enrolled students across 44 schools and poses a risk of losing significant federal funding if compliance is not met. The ruling raises broader concerns about the future of ethnic-specific educational programs.
Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced the cancellation of the Latinos in Action leadership course for the upcoming spring semester after a ruling by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that found the program in violation of federal civil rights law. The decision will impact around 2,800 students enrolled in the elective course, which is currently offered at 44 middle and high schools throughout the district.
The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights determined that the Latinos in Action course is exclusively designed for Latino students, thereby limiting participation from Black, white, or Asian American students. This exclusivity is viewed as a violation of federal regulations, prompting a requirement for BCPS to comply with the ruling within five days or face potential repercussions, including the loss of up to $30 million in federal funding. The DOE has emphasized that the structure of the program is explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity, which violates provisions against discrimination based on race and ethnicity.
Originally, the Latinos in Action course aimed to empower Latino youth by enhancing their leadership skills and preparing them for higher education and career opportunities. However, the program’s significance is now overshadowed by federal compliance issues. Following the cancellation, BCPS has stated that they will transition away from the current curriculum by the start of the spring semester. The district has not confirmed what will happen to any related clubs or activities that are associated with the program.
Concerns regarding the ruling’s implications extend beyond just this course. School board members have raised issues about the impact of the federal order on future programs that focus on specific ethnic groups. Discussions within the board reflect worries about the precedent this ruling sets for similar educational initiatives aimed at diverse communities.
The controversy has drawn various reactions from local officials. For instance, Pembroke Pines city commissioner Maria Rodriguez criticized the federal ruling, describing it as a targeted attack on the educational framework that serves a county with a Hispanic population of approximately 33%. In contrast, some school board members have referred to the decision as “extortion,” suggesting that the $30 million in federal funding is not directly linked to the program in question.
Historically, the Latinos in Action program has extended beyond Florida and operates in multiple states across the nation, serving not only as a class but also as a club aimed at fostering community engagement among Latino students. Furthermore, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has not been affiliated with the program, while other districts within Florida continue to participate in it.
School board members, including chair Debbi Hixon and Dr. Allen Zeman, expressed surprise at the ruling, noting that they had no prior communication from the DOE regarding this matter. The absence of dialogue has raised questions about how federal oversight interacts with local educational decisions and the consequences that arise from such legal decisions.
Overall, the cancellation of the Latinos in Action course represents a significant shift in educational offerings for Latino students within Broward County, emphasizing the critical balance between community representation and legal compliance in the realm of education.
FAQ
- What is the Latinos in Action course?
The Latinos in Action course is an elective leadership program aimed at empowering Latino youth through college and career readiness, offered in 44 schools across Broward County. - Why was the course cancelled?
The U.S. Department of Education ruled that the course violates federal civil rights laws by being exclusive to Latino students, thereby barring participation from other ethnic groups. - How many students were enrolled in this course?
Approximately 2,800 students were enrolled in the Latinos in Action course prior to its cancellation. - What are the potential financial implications for BCPS?
BCPS risks losing $30 million in federal funding if they do not comply with the DOE’s order regarding the course within five days. - What are the broader implications of this ruling?
This ruling raises concerns about the future of programs focused on specific ethnic groups, with implications for the educational experience of minority students throughout the district.
Key Features of the Latinos in Action Course Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Latinos in Action |
| Enrollment | Approximately 2,800 students |
| Number of Schools | 44 middle and high schools |
| Federal Funding At Risk | $30 million |
| Target Group | Latino students |
| Exclusivity Issue | Violation of federal civil rights law |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Arizona’s HIV Prevention Efforts
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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