Broward County Cancels Latinos in Action Course

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announced the cancellation of its Latinos in Action leadership course for the upcoming spring semester after a ruling from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) deemed the program a violation of federal civil rights law. The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights determined that the course was exclusive to Latino students, which falls short of compliance with federal guidelines that mandate inclusivity in educational programs.

Latinos in Action, an elective offered at 44 middle and high schools across the district, currently enrolls approximately 2,800 students. The DOE characterized the program as being “explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity” and stated that its exclusivity to Latino students violates the civil rights of those not in the demographic, such as Black, white, or Asian American students.

In a letter sent to BCPS, the DOE warned that the district must comply with the ruling within five days or face the risk of losing up to $30 million in federal funding. This looming financial impact has heightened the urgency of the decision to discontinue the course. The district is currently working to transition away from the Latinos in Action curriculum by the start of the spring semester, though it remains uncertain if related club activities will continue following the course cancellation.

Latinos in Action operates not only in Broward County but also in 16 states, including several districts across Florida, where it serves both as a class and an extracurricular club designed to empower Latino youth through college and career readiness initiatives.

In light of the cancellation, some local officials and community members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the federal government’s actions. Pembroke Pines city commissioner Maria Rodriguez criticized the ruling as a targeted threat against Broward Schools, emphasizing the importance of such programs in a county where 33% of the population identifies as Hispanic. School board member Dr. Allen Zeman labeled the action from the DOE as “extortion,” arguing that there is no connection between the $30 million grant and the specifics of the Latinos in Action curriculum.

Adam Cervera, the only Hispanic member of the BCPS School Board, acknowledged the need for representation in schools while stressing the importance of adhering to legal frameworks. He articulated the commitment of the board to follow state and federal legislation while seeking to uplift Latino initiatives within compliant boundaries.

In response to the ruling, school board chair Debbi Hixon mentioned the surprise felt by the board, as they had not received prior communication from the DOE before the ruling was issued. The decision has sparked broader concerns among board members, including Rebecca Thompson, regarding the implications for the future of programs that focus on specific ethnic groups and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the educational landscape.

It is important to note that Miami-Dade County Public Schools does not have any association with Latinos in Action, while other districts in Florida continue to support similar programs.

The cancellation of the Latinos in Action leadership course is poised to impact the educational experiences of thousands of students and raises critical questions about the role of inclusivity and representation in educational programming.