Los Angeles, California — A nonprofit education advocacy group has filed a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District, alleging that the district’s racial classification system unlawfully discriminates against certain students and schools.
The 1776 Project Foundation filed the lawsuit on Jan. 20 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, arguing that LAUSD’s use of “PHBAO” designations — meaning “Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian and Other non-Anglo” — unfairly channels resources and opportunities away from schools labeled “non-PHBAO.” According to the complaint, more than 600 schools in the district fall under the PHBAO designation, while roughly 100 are classified as non-PHBAO.
The lawsuit claims PHBAO schools receive smaller class sizes, additional staffing, more parent-teacher conferences, and preferential treatment in magnet school admissions. Non-PHBAO schools, the group argues, are left with fewer resources and higher student-to-teacher ratios as a result of race-based policies.
The foundation contends LAUSD’s practices violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and California’s Proposition 209, which prohibits state entities from considering race in public education. The lawsuit seeks declaratory relief, a permanent injunction barring race-based preferences, and attorney fees.
LAUSD declined to address the specifics, citing pending litigation, but said it remains committed to providing equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.
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