Chicago School District’s Black Student Success Plan Faces A Legal Challenge
An out-of-state advocacy group, Parents Defending Education, has filed a federal antidiscrimination complaint challenging Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Black Student Success Plan, just a day after the district released its long-awaited blueprint.
The Plan and Its Goals
The five-year plan aims to address longstanding disparities in achievement, graduation, discipline, and other outcomes for Black students. The plan sets goals to increase the number of Black teachers, reduce Black student suspensions, provide more professional development for all educators, and ensure that Black history is taught in more classrooms, among other steps.
The Legal Challenge
Parents Defending Education invoked the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause, a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision banning the use of race as a factor in college admissions, and a "Dear Colleague" letter from the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights late last week warning school districts to halt any race-based initiatives or risk losing federal funding. The group is asking the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to block the plan’s implementation.
CPS Response
District leaders in Chicago said they would review and respond to the complaint. However, a Chalkbeat reporter was turned away from a kickoff event celebrating the new plan, citing that it was not open to the public. CPS officials have previously stated that the plan is essential in addressing the district’s long-standing equity issues.
Trump Administration’s Stance
The plan’s release coincides with an aggressive push by the Trump administration to root out diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The administration has argued that even using income and other non-racial factors in education initiatives runs afoul of the Supreme Court’s admissions decision – a claim that some legal experts deem a major stretch.
District CEO’s Statement
In a letter to families, district CEO Pedro Martinez did not specifically refer to the Black student plan but said that CPS will stay the course amid Trump administration changes and threats of withholding funding. "We will stay true to our values and our mission – to provide all students with a rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience that affirms and celebrates their identities," Martinez wrote.
Previous Similar Challenge
Last year, Parents Defending Education filed a similar complaint against a Los Angeles Unified School District program to improve outcomes for its Black students. The district overhauled its program to open it to all students at schools that qualified for it. The group is touting this development in its complaint against CPS.
Conclusion
The Black Student Success Plan is a critical step towards addressing the long-standing disparities faced by Black students in Chicago Public Schools. While the legal challenge from Parents Defending Education may pose a hurdle, the district is committed to staying true to its values and mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Black Student Success Plan?
A: The five-year plan aims to address longstanding disparities in achievement, graduation, discipline, and other outcomes for Black students.
Q: What are the goals of the plan?
A: The plan sets goals to increase the number of Black teachers, reduce Black student suspensions, provide more professional development for all educators, and ensure that Black history is taught in more classrooms, among other steps.
Q: Who filed the legal challenge against the plan?
A: Parents Defending Education, an out-of-state advocacy group, filed the federal antidiscrimination complaint.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s stance on the plan?
A: The Trump administration has argued that even using income and other non-racial factors in education initiatives runs afoul of the Supreme Court’s admissions decision.
