Broward Schools End Latino Leadership Course Under Federal $30M Funding Threat

Broward County Public Schools has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Education to cancel its Latinos in Action leadership course, which serves Latino students through elective classes and extracurricular clubs in nearly 50 schools. The Department alleges the program discriminates against non-Latino students and violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by being organized around Latino ethnicity, threatening to withhold $30 million in federal funding if the district does not comply. Broward schools argue that the program is inclusive and that no racial quotas exist, but have agreed to end the program by the spring 2026 semester to retain funding. This directive aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public education, including race-based programs and admissions policies. Similarly, Cedar Rapids Community School District faces federal pressure to end partnerships promoting equity for students of color, with threats to withhold nearly $18 million in funding. These actions reflect a federal crackdown on programs designed to support minority students under the administration's civil rights enforcement policies.