The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has initiated an investigation into Chicago Public Schools (CPS) following allegations of Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint, filed by Parents Defending Education—now known as "Defending Education"—charges CPS with racial discrimination through its academic-achievement initiative.
The claims focus on the CPS's 2023-2024 "Black Students Success Plan," which is said to prioritize remedial efforts exclusively for black students. The complaint argues that this approach contravenes Title VI as students of all races are acknowledged to face academic challenges.
Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, remarked, "Chicago Public Schools have a record of academic failure, leaving students from all backgrounds and races struggling and ill-prepared to meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of contemporary American life." He added, "Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race."
Nicole Neily, the President and Founder of Defending Ed, commented, "No student should be denied an educational opportunity because of the color of their skin." She expressed gratitude for the Department of Education's investigation and recalled the educational opportunities her family received from CPS after fleeing internment camps during World War II.
The "Black Students Success Plan," part of CPS's equity-focused planning effort, involved senior district leaders and community engagement from December 2023 to April 2024. Slides from meetings indicate that Hispanic students registered significant academic struggles, similar to black students, leading to questions about why the initiative excludes broader demographic groups from targeted support.
Title VI prohibits racial, color, and national origin discrimination in federally funded educational programs. Institutions found guilty can face federal funding withdrawal.
