Polk County Public Schools has received a directive from the U.S. Department of Education to discontinue its 'Latinos in Action' elective course. This program, designed to prepare Hispanic students for college and careers, will be replaced with a general leadership class. The district is exploring options for 'Latinos in Action' to continue as a school club, provided it meets federal and district non-discrimination requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Polk County Public Schools must stop offering the 'Latinos in Action' elective.
- The course will be replaced with a general leadership class.
- 'Latinos in Action' may continue as a club, but cannot restrict participation to Hispanic students.
- Other Florida districts also received similar federal directives.
- The program had been active in Polk County since May 2023.
Federal Directive on Student Programs
The United States Department of Education has mandated that Polk County Public Schools cease offering its 'Latinos in Action' elective course. This course aimed to provide college and career readiness for Hispanic students. Polk is not the only district in Florida to receive such a directive; Orange, Osceola, and Broward counties have also been issued similar letters, according to reports from the Orlando Sentinel.
District spokesperson Kyle Kennedy confirmed the federal order. He stated that the district offered the classes in three high schools: Davenport, Haines City, and Kathleen. The 'Latinos in Action' website also lists Lake Gibson and Lake Region high schools as participating.
"The district will work to ensure compliance with the federal mandates," Kennedy stated in an email. "In the event the class is removed we will convert it to a leadership course allowed by FLDOE, and remove any LIA content or references from the syllabus."
Quick Fact
The Polk County School Board approved the 'Latinos in Action' program in May 2023, following a proposal from Patricia Trejos, then the senior director of English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Transition to a General Leadership Course
The discontinuation of 'Latinos in Action' as an elective course means a shift in curriculum. Polk County Public Schools plans to introduce a general leadership course. This new course will comply with Florida Department of Education guidelines and will not include specific 'Latinos in Action' content or references.
This change ensures that students still have access to leadership development opportunities. The district emphasizes that it will continue to provide inclusive opportunities for all students, particularly in areas like leadership and community service.
William Allen, chair of the Polk County School Board, confirmed that Superintendent Fred Heid outlined a plan to phase out the 'Latinos in Action' program by the end of the fall semester. Notices were scheduled to be sent to students' families on October 10.
Potential for Club Continuation
While the elective course will end, there is a possibility for 'Latinos in Action' to continue as a school club. Kennedy clarified that this would only happen if the club meets all federal and district requirements. A key condition is that the club cannot restrict access to non-Latino students. It must also comply with all other PCPS policies and federal laws regarding discrimination.
This approach allows the program's core mission to continue while adhering to federal regulations. It ensures that the benefits of the program, such as community service and leadership development, remain accessible to a broader student population.
Program Background
'Latinos in Action' (LIA) is a nonprofit organization founded in Utah in 2001 by Jose Enriquez. It operates programs in 16 states, with 170 schools participating in Florida. The program uses an asset-based approach to help students with college and career readiness. It focuses on four pillars: leveraging personal and cultural assets, excelling in education, serving the community, and developing leadership skills.
Program Details and Funding
The 'Latinos in Action' program operated as a year-long elective course. It was taught by specially qualified teachers at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. The curriculum included thematic units on financial responsibility, time management, and self-reliance.
According to the memorandum of understanding approved by the Polk County School Board in May 2023, speaking Spanish was not a requirement for participation. However, classes were expected to include at least 80% Latino students. This specific composition requirement likely contributed to the federal directive.
Polk County's student demographic data shows that 42.6% of students are Hispanic, making it the largest demographic group in the district. This highlights the potential impact of the program on a significant portion of the student body.
- First-year cost: $10,000
- Second-year cost per school: $4,000
- Costs covered: Training and technical support
- Contract renewal: Automatic annual renewal unless canceled by the district.
The organization lists several financial partners, including Delta Airlines, Wells Fargo, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In 2015, the Obama Administration recognized 'Latinos in Action' through the White House Initiative on Excellence in Hispanic Education.
Broader Federal Context
The U.S. Department of Education has recently focused on programs that might be perceived as favoring specific racial or ethnic groups. This aligns with a broader push during the second term of President Donald Trump to limit programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Such actions reflect a shift in federal policy regarding identity-based initiatives in educational settings.
School Board Chair William Allen stated he was unaware of any complaints the district had received regarding the 'Latinos in Action' offerings. He emphasized the importance of continuously reviewing all initiatives.
"I think it's positive that the district's looking to supplement and replace (it) with the leadership initiative, so there's no gap in what we're doing as a district," Allen said. "I think we're going to continue to create these inclusive opportunities for students, especially as it relates to leadership and service."
The organization 'Latinos in Action' did not respond to requests for comment by the afternoon of October 7.
