Nationwide — President Donald Trump’s administration is investigating whether Chicago Public Schools’ “Black Student Success Plan” violates federal antidiscrimination laws tied to DEI policies. The plan, which aims to support Black students, has faced criticism for leaving out other struggling student groups.
The U.S. Department of Education launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from Defending Education, a conservative advocacy group. The group argues the plan focuses solely on Black students, despite academic challenges faced by students of all backgrounds.
At the center of the review is whether the plan breaches Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program that receives federal funding.
Chicago Public Schools rolled out the five-year plan in February. It aims to boost the number of Black teachers, reduce disciplinary actions against Black students, and build a stronger sense of belonging. Black students make up about one-third of the district’s enrollment.
However, data cited in the complaint shows that Hispanic students also lag in reading proficiency — sometimes more than Black students. Defending Education claims the district is failing all students and that targeted support based on race could be unlawful.
Craig Trainor, the Department of Education’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said the Trump administration “will fight tirelessly to uphold that ideal and ensure all students are treated equally under law,” he said, according to Newsweek.
The investigation remains ongoing. If the department finds the district in violation of Title VI, Chicago Public Schools could lose access to federal funding.
Moreover, in a memo from February, the Trump administration ordered schools to remove race from decisions on admissions, aid, and hiring — or risk losing federal funds. Since then, dozens of schools and universities have come under review.