Florida Counties Ordered to Eliminate Latino Leadership Courses Amid Federal Crackdown

Orlando, FL — In a sweeping move that has sparked outrage across Florida’s advocacy and education communities, the U.S. Department of Education has ordered multiple school districts—including Broward, Seminole, and Hillsborough—to terminate the Latinos in Action leadership course, citing alleged violations of federal civil rights law.

The program, which has operated in over 40 Florida schools and hundreds nationwide, was designed to empower Latino youth through leadership development, academic support, and community engagement. The federal directive claims the course “discriminates based on race” and threatens districts with loss of funding if they fail to comply.

“This is an attack on culturally responsive education, on Latino students’ right to see themselves reflected in their curriculum, and on our broader fight for equity in Florida’s schools,” said Julie Kent, President of Florida NOW. “We stand in solidarity with students, educators, and families who are demanding inclusive, affirming learning environments.”

The decision has already led Broward County Public Schools to cancel the course for the upcoming semester, with Seminole County announcing plans to replace it with a generic alternative. Hillsborough County confirmed it no longer offers the program.

“This outrageous interpretation of Federal Civil Rights Law is grossly wrong.
We condemn the white supremacy being driven by this administration and further condemn using the Department of Education to indoctrinate youth in the premise of white supremacy,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “We see the continued, rampant, and systemic racism in this country. Education actions like these, bolsters America’s damaging, hurtful history of white supremacy that continues to drive racism at all levels of our society.”

FL NOW calls on local school boards, community leaders, and elected officials to resist this erasure and defend culturally grounded education. We urge Floridians to contact their school districts, attend board meetings, and demand transparency and accountability.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408