Polk County Schools to Phase out Latinos in Action Program Following Federal Scrutiny
LAKELAND, FL – Polk County Public Schools will discontinue its Latinos in Action (LIA) program by the end of the fall semester, following a review prompted by the U.S.Department of Education’s increased scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The decision comes as the federal government under President Donald Trump has taken steps to curtail programs perceived as favoring specific racial or ethnic groups.
The LIA program, launched in Polk County in 2014, aimed to empower Hispanic students through leadership growth, college readiness, and community service. It began with a pilot program in five schools and expanded to 17 schools by 2023, serving approximately 2,500 students. The district initially contracted with Latinos in Action, Inc., paying $10,000 in the first year and $4,000 per participating school in subsequent years to cover training and technical support. The contract automatically renewed annually unless canceled by the district.
In 2015, the obama Management recognized LIA through the White House Initiative on Excellence in Hispanic Education.
Polk County School Board Chair William Allen stated that Superintendent Fred Heid shared a timeline for phasing out the program, with notices to students’ families planned for release on October 10th.Allen emphasized the district’s commitment to continuing leadership opportunities for students.
“I think it’s crucial that we continually review all initiatives,” Allen said. “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. I think we’re going to continue to create these inclusive opportunities for students,especially as it relates to leadership and service.”
Allen also noted he was unaware of any complaints received regarding the LIA program.
Latinos in Action, Inc. had not responded to a request for comment as of the afternoon of October 7th.