Elgin Nelson
Efforts to cut funds from a program intended to support Black students have ignited controversy and backlash in the L.A. educational community.
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the Black Student Achievement Plan was established to addressing racial disparities within the education system, increased funding for schools serving predominantly Black students. The plan also included the recruitment of more Black educators, and the implementation of a more culturally responsive curriculum.
But a group known as Parents Defending Education filed a complaint, arguing that the plan was in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, alleging it created a racially divisive environment.
To avoid an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, the Los Angeles Unified School District has even considered opening this program to non-Black students. Tyrone Howard, a professor of education at UCLA, describes the complaint as racist due to little uproar towards other programs that support “different groups of students who are more vulnerable, including students with disabilities and those struggling with homelessness.”
In a quote to EdSource, Howard said,“ I wish we had just as much energy and anger around those data as we do around the fact that we think that (a law) might be violated.”
A recent survey revealed that 2,300 students across 100 LAUSD campuses found that 87% of Black students benefited from the resources and support of the Black Student Achievement Plan program. Despite a possible investigation, the program looks to capitalize by expanding the funds afforded by the school district.
“The mission, objectives, and operation of the District’s Black Student Achievement Program remains the same. The Los Angeles Unified School District recently expanded the program by $26 million and remains committed to the program,” a spokesperson from L.A. Unified School District said in an official statement.
They added, “The District is ensuring that the associated language aligns with the law and practice by clarifying that the program operates in accordance with the District’s Nondiscrimination policy, based on applicable federal and state laws.” The policy details that the district prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, gender/sex, sexual orientation, etc.
Program supporters say the complaint lacks depth as it does not include a claim that anyone “suffered or was discriminated against because of the program.”
Those like Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove are working to get even more funding.
“We need better schools, we need better roads, we need better digital services and there are millions, if not billions, of dollars out there for that,” Kamlager-Dove said.