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LULAC Sues Texas Over Learning English In Schools

  A national advocacy group has filed a class-action, federal civil rights lawsuit against Texas, alleging that Hispanic English language learners aren't receiving adequate instruction in high schools across the state.

The League of United Latin American Citizens sued Tuesday in the Eastern District of Texas. Its complaint named Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams as chief defendant.

LULAC argues Texas is violating the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974. That says no state can deny students educational opportunities by failing to "take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation" in instructional programs.

The suit singles out two San Antonio school districts, but says similar problems persist in high schools statewide.

It says English language learners "continue to perform abysmally" thanks to "grossly deficient language programs" in many areas.

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