A fierce battle is brewing over equity in Los Angeles schools, with accusations of deliberate deception at the heart of the conflict. An education advocacy group alleges the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) continues to operate a program specifically designed for Black students, despite assurances to federal investigators that it had become race-neutral.
In 2021, LAUSD launched the “Black Student Achievement Plan” (BSAP), a $175 million initiative intended to close achievement gaps between Black students and their peers. The district openly stated resources would be distributed based on a “race-based tiered system,” aiming for “racial equity” through targeted support.
The program’s structure – including staffing dedicated to the academic and social-emotional needs of Black students – drew a complaint from Defending Education, who argued it violated civil rights laws. They claimed the program discriminated against students based on race, a direct contradiction of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 14th Amendment.
Initially, the complaint was dismissed. LAUSD officials reportedly claimed they had shifted to a race-neutral allocation of resources, assuring the Office of Civil Rights that all students, regardless of race, would have equal access to BSAP funding. The Office of Civil Rights accepted this explanation, closing the investigation.
However, just months later, a stunning revelation surfaced. During a contentious school board meeting, activists vocally opposed any changes to the BSAP program. A “hot mic” captured LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in a candid exchange.
“Do they not know that nothing has changed?” Goldberg asked Carvalho, referring to the protesting activists. Carvalho’s blunt response: “Nothing has changed.” Goldberg echoed the sentiment, questioning how the protesters remained unaware of this reality.
This exchange has ignited a firestorm. Defending Education argues the conversation is a clear admission that LAUSD knowingly misled federal authorities about the program’s continued race-based focus. They’ve filed a new complaint, demanding a renewed investigation.
The advocacy group contends that deliberately maintaining a program known to be legally questionable is a serious offense. They emphasize the fundamental principle that public schools cannot discriminate by including or excluding students based on their race.
Adding fuel to the controversy, LAUSD recently increased funding for BSAP by an additional $50 million, bringing the total investment to $175 million. This decision, according to critics, underscores a continued commitment to race-based programming despite legal concerns.
The district has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving unanswered questions about the future of BSAP and the integrity of its resource allocation practices. The outcome of the renewed investigation could have significant implications for equity initiatives in schools nationwide.
