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Parents accuse LAUSD of neglecting Mandarin immersion programs, say Broadway Elementary students face discrimination and resource gaps
Summary
A string of parents and community members told the LAUSD board that Mandarin immersion programs (notably Broadway Elementary) face systemic neglect — citing lack of Mandarin curriculum, testing, substitutes, larger class sizes, and racial harassment. They urged the board to open additional classes and allocate equitable resources.
A group of parents and community members told the Los Angeles Unified School District board on Nov. 18 that Mandarin Immersion (MI) programs have been treated inequitably compared with Spanish immersion, and they urged immediate district action to address resource, testing and safety gaps.
What speakers said: Dozens of public commenters, including parents from Broadway Elementary, described large class sizes, stymied efforts to open an approved kindergarten section, lack of a district‑aligned Mandarin curriculum three years after a proposed grant was announced, and an absence of certified substitutes for Mandarin teachers. Several parents described racial harassment and bullying of MI students at Broadway; one parent played a recording of a child recounting being called racial slurs.
Requests to the board: Speakers asked trustees to require equitable per‑pupil spending across immersion programs, expedite the missing Mandarin curriculum and testing, open approved classroom sections where demand exists, ensure certified substitute coverage for Mandarin classes, and investigate complaints raised through Williams and other processes. Some parents stressed that ongoing program neglect is driving declines in Asian student enrollment at LAUSD schools.
District response and context: Public speakers reported filing Williams complaints and alleged that some internal district investigations found no violations despite continuing concerns. Trustees and staff did not announce immediate policy changes on the dais; board members asked staff to follow up and provide clarifying information about curriculum timelines and class openings.
Why this matters: Parents said the issues threaten program viability and student safety, and that the district risks further enrollment losses and community distrust unless it resolves discrepancies between language immersion tracks.
What to watch: Trustees asked staff to return with specific data on resource allocations, class openings, substitute coverage and the status of the previously announced funding for a Mandarin curriculum. Parents asked for direct engagement and transparent timelines from the district.
