Investigation launched into Chicago Public Schools’ Black Student Success Plan

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday launched an investigation into Chicago Public Schools, alleging a program that aims to improve the educational outcomes of Black students is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

CPS’ “Black Student Success Plan” launched this spring to bridge achievement gaps that impact the school district’s Black students, which make up about 35% of the student population.

“We’re looking at the data and going where the data take us, and the data is taking us to a very, very dark place,” Valerie Leonard, founder of nonprofit Utopia and one of the people who helped develop the Black Student Success Plan, said. “Even though we have quote unquote the same school system, it’s not benefitting all of our kids to the same degree.”

The plan is mandated by state law and the Board of Education formed a committee to monitor the plan just last week.

The probe into CPS’ Black Students Success Plan follows a complaint from Parents Defending Education, an out-of-state parents group, that claims the district’s initiative discriminates against students on the basis of race. Parents Defending Education opposes diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and fights what it calls “indoctrination” in schools.

Now, the U.S. Department of Education under President Trump is launching an investigation into allegations the plan violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“No student should be denied an educational opportunity because of the color of their skin, yet perversely, that’s exactly what Chicago Public Schools has chosen to do – despite the fact that the district’s own data clearly demonstrates that students of all races are struggling academically,” Defending Education’s president and founder Nicole Neily said in a statement. 

A representative with the Department of Education issued the following statement to WGN-TV:

“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. Rather than address its record honestly, CPS seeks to allocate additional resources to favored students on the basis of race.”

“I would hope that as they do their investigation that they would do it objectively. I would like to see them answer questions as to why are Black boys six times more likely to be expelled from schools than white boys,” Leonard said.

WGN-TV also reached out to CPS for comment. A spokesperson said they will not be commenting on the investigation.