The Trump administration has sparked outrage by withdrawing millions of dollars in federal funding from Chicago Public Schools’ Magnet Schools Assistance Program due to disagreements over policies related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as transgender rights. The Department of Education claimed Chicago failed to abolish its Black Student Success Plan and did not ban transgender students from using bathrooms or participating in sports corresponding to their gender identity.
Chicago Public Schools expected to receive roughly $8 million but now faces budget strains to offset the loss. Critics argue this move weaponizes funding against students, with some calling it a “culture war” where children become collateral damage.
The Office for Civil Rights cited potential violations of Title IX and the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action as reasons for demanding the program’s termination. Despite these federal pressures, CPS maintains its commitment to inclusive policies and state laws protecting transgender rights.
