Introduction to the Controversy
CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools told the U.S. Department of Education Friday it would not be walking back the rollout of its Black Student Success Plan or changing its policies related to transgender students until a federal investigation is completed.
Background on the Dispute
A letter sent by CPS’ Acting General Counsel Elizabeth K. Barton called the department’s demands outlined in a letter the Trump administration sent Tuesday as “unreasonable and untenable” and requested 30 days to respond. Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary of civil rights in the U.S. Department of Education, said his office found CPS violated anti-discrimination laws and would lose grant dollars through the Magnet School Assistance Program.
Chicago Public Schools’ Stance
But Barton wrote back that the district’s “policies and practices are prescribed by state and local law, and CPS remains in compliance with those laws.” The feds demanded CPS abolish the Black Student Success Plan it unveiled in February and issue a statement saying it will require students to compete in sports or use locker rooms and bathroom facilities based on their biological sex at birth, among other demands.
State Laws and Regulations
But Illinois law conflicts on both fronts, Barton noted. The state issued guidance in March that outlines compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Law, including that schools must allow transgender students access to facilities that correspond to their gender identity. Separately, an Illinois law passed in 2024 requires the Chicago school board to have a Black Student Achievement Committee and plan for serving Black students.
Investigation and Implementation
In its response, CPS argues that the Trump administration “made a legal conclusion” without completing an investigation. “Moreover, the Department has not articulated whether any specific students have been harmed by the Black Students Success Plan, as the Plan has not yet been implemented,” Barton wrote.
Moving Forward
Chicago school board members told Chalkbeat they are forging ahead with plans to announce the members of the Black Student Achievement Committee next week.
Conclusion
The standoff between Chicago Public Schools and the Trump administration highlights the complexities and challenges of implementing diversity and inclusion policies in educational institutions. While the federal government threatens to cut funding, CPS remains committed to its Black Student Success Plan and policies supporting transgender students, citing compliance with state and local laws. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of diversity efforts in public schools.
FAQs
What is the Black Student Success Plan?
The Black Student Success Plan is an initiative unveiled by Chicago Public Schools in February to improve the educational outcomes and experiences of Black students.
What are the federal government’s demands?
The Trump administration is demanding that CPS abolish the Black Student Success Plan and issue a statement requiring students to compete in sports or use locker rooms and bathroom facilities based on their biological sex at birth.
What is the basis for CPS’ refusal to comply?
CPS argues that its policies and practices are prescribed by state and local law, and it remains in compliance with those laws. Illinois law requires schools to allow transgender students access to facilities corresponding to their gender identity and mandates the creation of a Black Student Achievement Committee.
What are the potential consequences of non-compliance?
The federal government has threatened to cut grant dollars through the Magnet School Assistance Program if CPS does not comply with its demands.
What is the current status of the Black Student Achievement Committee?
Chicago school board members are moving forward with plans to announce the members of the Black Student Achievement Committee next week.
