The Broward County Public Schools are facing a pressing challenge: they must sever ties with Latinos in Action (LIA), a school program that emphasizes leadership and academic support for Hispanic youth, or risk forfeiting a substantial $30 million federal grant. This directive comes from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), which argues that the program constitutes racial discrimination, as reported by NBC Miami.
Federal Scrutiny of a School Club
Latinos in Action operates in 44 middle and high schools in Broward and is active in 16 states nationwide, blending club activities with an elective class structure. Its mission is to "empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness," a goal widely supported across several Florida school districts. Despite its intentions, the DOE perceives this framework as conflicting with equality standards.
In a letter addressed to Broward's superintendent, Howard Hepburn, the DOE's Office for Civil Rights stated: "First, Latinos in Action appears to be explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity." The document further emphasizes: "The Latinos in Action program, however, is designed for and exclusive to Latino students. It is not, for instance, available to Black, White, or Asian-American students."
School Board's Reaction of Surprise
The decision took school board members by surprise. Debbi Hixon, the board president, praised LIA: "Latinos in Action is a fantastic program, present in several of our middle and high schools, doing a really great job." Meanwhile, Rebecca Thompson, another board member, dismissed the accusations as unfounded.
"The letter suggests racial discrimination, yet all students can take these leadership electives; it is not discriminatory. My real concern is if it's Latinos in Action today, what could it mean tomorrow?" she questioned. Both members said the DOE’s notice was unexpected.
"Yes, it was absolutely a surprise, not on the radar as far as I know, and it seems they just went to Latinos in Action's website and gathered some information from there," Hixon remarked. She also noted the lack of prior communication between Washington and the district regarding the course content.
Pressure from Washington
The federal warning is unambiguous: the district has five days to confirm its disassociation from Latinos in Action by the next spring semester, or it risks losing the substantial grant for its magnet school programs. The political backdrop is evident, with the program being "under the scrutiny of the Trump Administration," according to local reports.
Thompson questioned the motives: "I believe they are targeting select groups across our country, and simply because it says Latinos in Action, they are going after this group."
Broader Implications Beyond Broward
While Broward grapples with the program's future, the DOE has already signaled a demand for immediate changes. Hixon suggested that perhaps modifying the elective course might appease federal officials: "I hope that altering the Latinos in Action elective course will be enough to satisfy Washington's demands."
Conversely, other districts like Miami-Dade remain unaffected as they are not affiliated with the program. Nevertheless, in various Florida counties and over a dozen states, the initiative continues to provide a sense of identity, leadership, and belonging for thousands of students.
The standoff between Broward and the DOE ignites a broader debate over how programs designed to meet specific minority needs are interpreted by the federal government. The mandate to cut ties with LIA raises questions about the future of other initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Latinos in Action Shutdown
Why is Latinos in Action considered discriminatory by the DOE?
The DOE argues that Latinos in Action is discriminatory because it is organized around Latino ethnicity and is not inclusive of other racial groups, such as Black, White, or Asian-American students.
What are the potential consequences for Broward County Schools?
If Broward County Schools do not sever ties with Latinos in Action, they risk losing a $30 million federal grant intended for the district's magnet school programs.
How have school board members reacted to the DOE's decision?
School board members were surprised and defended the program, arguing it is not discriminatory and expressing concerns about the implications for other similar programs in the future.