Feds Force Shutdown of “Latinos in Action” Course in South Florida Schools

M.A. Dworkin 

Broward County, FL - Facing massive funding cuts if not in compliance within 30 days, the Trump Administration has ordered Broward County Public Schools and other school districts across the country to cut ties with the popular “Latinos in Action” (LIA)  national program designed to benefit Latino youth, alleging it discriminates against non-Latino students. 

In accordance with the funding threat, Broward County Public Schools will cancel its popular Latinos in Action leadership course next semester after the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) ruled the class violates federal civil rights law. 

The effective course, offered at more than 50 middle and high schools across the Broward County district which enrolls roughly 2,800 students, was ruled

discriminatory by the Trump Administration. Of the 236,000 students enrolled in Broward County schools, nearly 40% are Hispanic.

The DOE’s office for Civil Rights claims the program is “designed for and exclusive to Latino students,” noting that it is not available to Black, White, or Asian American students. The DOE claims the program may be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The DOE warned the district to comply within five days or risk losing $30 million in federal funding. 

“The Latino in Action program …is explicitly organized around the concept of Latino ethnicity,” the DOE letter stated, citing the organization’s own description that its goal is to “empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness.”

Latinos in Action operates in 16 states, in over 300 schools, including several Florida school districts, and functions as both a class and an extracurricular club. The program was founded in 2001 in Utah by Dr. Jose Enriquez, and grew strong in Los Angeles during the early part of the Century. It emphasizes college and career readiness through academic rigor and community service. Older students visit neighboring middle and elementary schools to serve as role models and literary tutors, including students with special needs. 

“I was very surprised and a little confused by the order,” said Broward School Board Chair Debbie Hixon. “It’s been a program that we’ve had for a long time. It’s very successful and it’s a great program of students helping other students.” 

The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into 52 universities in 41 states, accusing the schools of using “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.”

“My real concern is that today it’s Latinos in Action, but what will be cut tomorrow,” said Ms. Hixon.