Trump's week in review: Religious Liberty Commission launched; NPR, PBS to be defunded
2. Department of Education investigates Chicago Public Schools
In a statement Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that its Office of Civil Rights opened an investigation into Chicago Public Schools, the largest public school district in Illinois, over allegations that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by implementing a "Black Student Success Plan" designed to help struggling African American students.
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding.
"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," said the Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor. "Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race."
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Vowing that "the Trump-McMahon Department of Education will not allow federal funds, provided for the benefit of all students, to be used in this pernicious and unlawful manner," Trainor stressed that "Every American student deserves access to a quality education." He insisted that "the Trump administration will fight tirelessly to uphold that ideal and ensure all students are treated equally under law."
The Trump administration's investigation into Chicago Public Schools follows a complaint filed by the advocacy group Defending Education, formerly known as Parents Defending Education, accusing the school district of engaging in race-based discrimination by promoting a "Black Student Success Plan" during the 2023-24 school year.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
