Overview

The U.S. Department of Education has reopened an investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP). This decision follows a civil rights complaint from the conservative group Defending Education, which claims the program constitutes race-based discrimination.

This marks the second complaint filed by Defending Education against the BSAP. Following the first complaint, LAUSD made significant changes to the program, including the removal of race as a criterion for determining which students would receive assistance.

Key details

  • The investigation is being conducted by the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Defending Education alleges that the BSAP discriminates against students of other races.
  • The BSAP was originally designed to enhance academic achievement among Black students.
  • In response to the first complaint, LAUSD overhauled the $120-million program.
  • LAUSD agreed to stop focusing exclusively on Black students and to use other criteria for identifying students in need of support.
  • The name of the program remains unchanged despite the modifications.
  • The recent letter from the Department of Education was sent to Defending Education and is dated Thursday.
  • The letter, signed by chief attorney Anamaria Loya, indicates that an investigation will determine if the program violates Title VI regulations.
  • The reopening of the investigation does not imply a conclusion about the merits of the complaint.
  • LAUSD has stated that it provides various programs to support students, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.
  • The district's Non-Discrimination Policy aligns with state and federal laws.
  • LAUSD claims that the BSAP is available to any interested student.

Context

The reopening of the investigation highlights ongoing concerns regarding educational equity and the balance between targeted support for specific racial groups versus inclusivity in educational programs.

What happens next

The Office for Civil Rights will conduct its investigation to assess whether the BSAP violates federal regulations concerning race-based services, and the outcome will determine the future of the program.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific allegations made in the recent complaint, the timeline for the investigation, and the potential implications for the BSAP are not confirmed.