Chicago Public Schools recovers millions in federal grants after settlement

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has successfully recovered millions of dollars in federal grants following a lawsuit settlement with the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government had previously withheld the funds, including an estimated $6 million, alleging that CPS violated civil rights through its Black Student Success Plan and policies supporting transgender students.

CPS filed the lawsuit in March, arguing that the Department of Education failed to follow required legal processes when stripping the grants. Under the terms of the settlement, the Department of Education agreed to return the funds. While the settlement reverses a significant action taken by the Trump administration against the district, CPS officials have maintained their existing policies regarding student success and Title IX protections.