L.A. students protest for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Students in Los Angeles are protesting to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs for Black students. These protests come after President Donald Trump expressed intentions to target such efforts. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced it might cut funding to schools with race-based programs. Last month, students, parents, and education activists gathered at a church in South Central Los Angeles. They rallied for the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) DEI initiatives. Maki Draper, a student leader, emphasized the importance of speaking out for marginalized groups. She said, “I’m here to stand up for my people.” The protests are also a response to a civil rights complaint from an organization called Parents Defending Education. This complaint targets LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP), which supports schools with large Black student populations. The complaint argues that the plan is illegal for using race as a criterion for participation. Students like Devon Beard, who benefits from the BSAP, feel more supported because of the program. It offers resources such as counselors and unique school activities. Beard said, “With BSAP, I kind of feel more supported.” The activists want LAUSD to increase the BSAP budget by $100 million each year and to continue using race as a factor. They have started a sticker campaign to raise awareness of their goals. Stickers reading “LAUSD must protect Black, undocumented, and LGBTQ students” were distributed during the rally. Another student, Alexa Delgado, voiced concerns about immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. She highlighted recent walkouts in LAUSD schools, where students demonstrated their commitment to protecting immigrant rights. Delgado remarked, “No child should walk out of their home and be scared that they’re going to be taken away.”