Fort Lauderdale, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Broward County Public Schools has canceled its Latinos in Action course following a U.S. Department of Education ruling that deemed the program discriminatory against non-Latino students. The elective, which serves approximately 2,800 Latino students, risks the loss of $30 million in federal funding if not ceased. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications for similar educational programs focused on specific ethnic groups. Local leaders express dissent to the federal action, arguing the importance of ethnic representation in education.
Fort Lauderdale – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced the cancellation of its Latinos in Action leadership course for the upcoming spring semester after a ruling by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that the program violates federal civil rights laws. This elective course, which is offered at 44 middle and high schools in the district, serves approximately 2,800 students, all of whom are Latino.
The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights indicated that the course is “designed for and exclusive to Latino students,” which creates a barrier for Black, white, or Asian American students wishing to participate. In a letter to the district, the DOE warned BCPS to cease the program within five days or risk losing $30 million in federal funding. The letter also noted that the program is explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity, which raises concerns under civil rights regulations.
The Latinos in Action program aims to empower Latino youth through leadership initiatives centered on college and career readiness. However, the DOE’s ruling underscored that the course allegedly implemented a quota system that discriminates based on ethnicity, violating fundamental tenets of civil rights law.
In light of the ruling, BCPS has confirmed that the transition away from the current curriculum for Latinos in Action will be finalized before the start of the upcoming spring semester. While club activities related to the program remain uncertain, the cancellation directly impacts the educational experience of the 2,800 students who have benefitted from the course.
Adam Cervera, the only Hispanic member of the BCPS School Board, expressed understanding for the importance of Latino representation in education but emphasized the necessity of adhering to all applicable laws. Similarly, school board chair Debbi Hixon noted their surprise at the ruling, highlighting that BCPS was not contacted by the DOE prior to receiving their letter regarding the program.
Local leaders have voiced their dissent regarding the federal action. Pembroke Pines city commissioner Maria Rodriguez argued that the federal government’s stance appears to be a targeted effort against Broward Schools, especially in a county where approximately 33% of the population identifies as Hispanic. School board member Dr. Allen Zeman referred to the situation as “extortion,” insisting that the federal grant in question has no bearing on the Latinos in Action program.
As a response to the ruling, questions have been raised about the future of educational programs centered on specific ethnic groups. While Miami-Dade County Public Schools operates independently and does not have an affiliation with Latinos in Action, other Florida districts continue to include the program in their curriculums.
Background on the Latinos in Action Program
The Latinos in Action program operates across 16 states, serving as both a class and an extracurricular club. It aims to bolster leadership abilities among Latino youth, harnessing educational resources to prepare students for success in higher education and their careers. The DOE’s recent intervention has cast a shadow over the viability of similar programs devoted to specific demographic groups.
Key Impacts of the Cancellation
- Approximate enrollment affected: 2,800 students.
- Federal funding at risk: $30 million.
- Exclusivity issue: Course designed only for Latino students.
- Potential ramifications on similar ethnic-focused educational programs.
Conclusion
The decision by BCPS to cancel the Latinos in Action course highlights a significant intersection between education and civil rights law. Future discussions may evolve around how to implement equitable programs that promote inclusivity while adhering to federal guidelines. As the district moves forward, it remains to be seen how this critical issue will shape educational policy and student experiences within Broward County and beyond.
FAQs
Why was the Latinos in Action course canceled?
The U.S. Department of Education ruled that the Latinos in Action course violates federal civil rights laws because it is exclusive to Latino students, which discriminates against students of other ethnicities.
What is the potential financial impact of this ruling?
BCPS risks losing $30 million in federal funding if the district does not comply with the DOE’s ruling to cancel the program.
Will the Latinos in Action program continue in the future?
As of now, BCPS has confirmed the cancellation of the course for the spring semester, and it is unclear if any related club activities will continue thereafter.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Miami: Broward Schools Cancels Latinos in Action Course
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights
- Caribbean National Weekly: Broward Schools to Cancel Latinos in Action Course
- Google Search: Latinos in Action
- NBC Miami: Feds Say Popular School Program for Latinos Discriminates
- Google Scholar: Broward County Public Schools
- Margate Talk: Monarch Latinos in Action Tutors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Equity
- NBC Miami: Department of Education Calls Out Latinos in Action
- Google News: Broward Schools Education
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PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
