SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County Public Schools was required to shut down one of its programs over concerns about “racial discrimination,” according to district officials on Monday.

In a letter, the district told parents and staff that the decision involves the “Latinos in Action” course, which operates as a year-long elective for students in middle and high schools to learn skills like leadership.

According to federal officials, the program’s website recently stated that “the end goal of everything we do is to empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness.”

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While the program’s website no longer includes the racial language, officials with the U.S. Department of Education wrote to the district that the course was racially exclusionary and segregated students based on race.

“In response to the question, ‘Is this class only for Latino students,’ posted on the organization’s FAQ page about the elective Latinos in Action course implemented by partnership schools, the organization states, ‘80% of the class must be Latino. 20% of students may be from any other racial/ethnic background,’” federal officials wrote.

As a result, DOE officials told the district last month that it would have to terminate its partnership with Latinos in Action.

District officials then released the following message to parents, students and staff about the change:

“At Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS), our commitment has always been to create learning opportunities that help every student feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. We believe that leadership and service are essential qualities to nurture in all of our students.

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) provided guidance to our district regarding our partnership with Latinos in Action (LIA) and its alignment with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. To comply with OCR’s directive, SCPS will transition away from the LIA partnership and establish new leadership course offerings for the Spring 2026 semester.

While this means the Latinos in Action course, in its current form, will no longer be offered after this semester, this moment presents an opportunity to create a new ‘Leaders in Action’ course specifically designed for SCPS students. These courses will emphasize a strong foundation of service and leadership while reflecting the unique strengths and talents of all students across our district. Additionally, ‘Leaders in Action’ courses will continue to promote academic success, leadership development, and meaningful service to our community.

We know that change can bring questions. Please be assured that we will work closely with each school to communicate next steps and provide information about course options and resources. Our priority is to ensure that every student continues to have access to enriching opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life.”

Seminole County Public Schools

Meanwhile, the full letter from the DOE to Seminole County Public Schools is attached to this story and can be read below.