The U.S. Education Department recently announced a new investigation of Chicago Public Schools, looking into its latest program dedicated to ensuring academic success for Black students to determine if it violates federal law.
Announced last Tuesday, the investigation’s roots stem back to February when the Parents Defending Education group, a conservative nonprofit that aims to erase what they allege is activist impact on education, filed a report against the school system.
Per the report, the program, known as the Black Student Success Plan, violates Title VI. Passed in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, the law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex and national origin.
The conservatives allege that the program is “racially exclusive.”
In a statement released on April 29, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates rejected the claim, reaffirming the school system’s commitment to supporting vulnerable students.
“We expect CPS to stand up against this baseless investigation — and we call on our city and state leaders to take real action to protect our students and schools,” said Gates per a statement. “The White House is making its intent clear: to dismantle public education and bully the children who attend our schools.”
Trump DOE investigates Chicago-area district over ‘privilege walks,’ racist lessons
— The College Fix (@CollegeFix) May 4, 2025
Previous superintendent had said of teachers 'If you’re not antiracist, we can’t have you in front of our students.' 😳
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Announced during Black History Month, the Black Student Success Plan was created to remove obstacles to ensure improvements in academic achievement for Black students.
Through the program, school officials for the system are addressing education gaps due to racial inequities for Black students by increasing engagement with the students and their families.
The Black Student Success Plan also reviews resource allocation and ensures that students’ identity, history and culture are respected in learning plans. Although the program’s future is currently being targeted, the five-year goals outlined include increasing the number of Black educators in Chicago public schools from 91% to 93%, as well as aiming for a 40% decrease in disciplinary actions such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions.
The Black Student Success Plan also aims to incorporate more about Black history and culture in lesson plans to enhance the community feeling.
The Chicago public school system currently has one of the largest and most diverse demographics. Considered to be the fourth largest in the U.S., approximately 321,000 students are part of the system. Of these students, about 35% are Black.
“Systemic issues, such as unequal funding, disproportionate disciplinary actions, and biased educational policies, continue to contribute to the challenges faced by our Black students,” said the leaders of Chicago Public Schools upon announcing the latest program.
“We will continue advocating for adequate and equitable school funding across all levels of government to ensure we have the necessary resources to support the success of our Black students.”
