Introduction to the Controversy
President Donald Trump’s Department of Education has launched an investigation into Chicago Public Schools, alleging that a plan meant to improve educational outcomes for Black children discriminates against other races. The federal inquiry follows a complaint lodged against CPS in February by Parents Defending Education, a right-wing Virginia-based group that has become a key national player in attempts to reshape American education.
Background of the Complaint
The group has fought the teaching of Black history, inclusion of queer identities and so-called anti-white discrimination. The investigation and challenge target Chicago’s newly launched “Black Student Success Plan,” which they claim violates federal anti-discrimination laws by focusing on only one group of students. “Chicago Public Schools have a record of academic failure, leaving students from all backgrounds and races struggling and ill-prepared to meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of contemporary American life,” said Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights.
The Black Student Success Plan
The plan was created because, historically, Black children have not been favored students in Chicago. Data shows reading and math gaps have persisted for years between Black students and their peers in CPS — a troubling trend that experts and advocates have attributed to the underresourcing of predominantly Black schools. Black community leaders have long pushed for a plan that would specifically address those disparities to give Black children the same opportunities for educational and post-schooling success as students of other races.
Disparities Faced by Black Students
“Disparities between Black students and their counterparts in academic achievement, graduation rates and postsecondary opportunities are the result of historical and present-day discrimination in the United States applied uniquely to Black people: unfair housing practices, segregation, lack of access to resources and many other longstanding and federal policies, laws and practices,” reads the plan’s executive summary, published in February. “Today, nationwide systemic educational issues, such as unequal funding, disproportionate disciplinary actions and biased educational policies, continue to contribute to the challenges faced by our Black students.”
Implementation of the Plan
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez wrote at the time the district’s “mission is, and has always been, to provide every student in every Chicago neighborhood with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career and community. While we have made great strides in recent years, we know that opportunities remain more attainable for some students than they do for others, and that this reality must change. Data shows that our Black students are often the ones furthest from opportunity.” CPS moved ahead with the initiative last week despite the federal complaint by the Virginia group. The school board launched the Black Student Success Committee to oversee the plan and tapped board member and longtime activist Jitu Brown as chair of the committee.
Potential Consequences
It’s unlikely Mayor Brandon Johnson or CPS leaders or board members will bow to the Trump administration’s demands. But fighting back does risk CPS funding. About $1.3 billion of CPS’ revenue, or 16%, comes from the federal government. Despite the investigation, an Illinois law — the one that created an elected Chicago school board — mandates CPS have a Black Student Success Committee to improve opportunities and outcomes for Black students.
Conclusion
The investigation into Chicago Public Schools by the Trump administration’s Department of Education highlights the challenges faced by Black students in the education system. The Black Student Success Plan is a step towards addressing the disparities faced by Black students, and it is essential that the plan is implemented and supported to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Black Student Success Plan?
A: The Black Student Success Plan is an initiative launched by Chicago Public Schools to improve educational outcomes for Black children. - Q: Why is the Trump administration investigating CPS?
A: The Trump administration is investigating CPS due to a complaint filed by a right-wing group alleging that the Black Student Success Plan discriminates against other races. - Q: What are the potential consequences of the investigation?
A: The investigation could result in CPS losing federal funding, which accounts for 16% of its revenue. - Q: Is the Black Student Success Plan mandated by law?
A: Yes, an Illinois law mandates CPS to have a Black Student Success Committee to improve opportunities and outcomes for Black students.
