Story perspectives

DOJ Joins Lawsuit Against LA School District's Desegregation Policy

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has joined a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District over a desegregation policy that labels schools with 70% non-white students as PHBAO.
The 1776 Project Foundation argues PHBAO designation violates the 14th Amendment by using race to allocate resources.
Critics, including education experts, say the suit signals a conservative push against diversity, equity, and inclusion, despite the district's efforts to address segregation.

History

Historical Context

The 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. This landmark decision catalyzed the civil rights movement, challenging systemic racism in education. The current lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District reflects ongoing debates about race and equity in schools, echoing the struggles of the past.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has joined a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District over a desegregation policy that labels schools with 70% non-white students as PHBAO.
The 1776 Project Foundation argues PHBAO designation violates the 14th Amendment by using race to allocate resources.
Critics, including education experts, say the suit signals a conservative push against diversity, equity, and inclusion, despite the district's efforts to address segregation.

1 / 2