The Center Square

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement Friday with the Sacramento City Unified School District following an investigation into enrollment policies that allegedly discriminated against students. The settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging the district violated open enrollment and nondiscrimination laws. “Every student has the right to equal access to a quality public education. That starts with enrollment,” Bonta said in a press release.

In July 2024, the California Department of Justice launched an investigation into whether the Sacramento school district was complying with state enrollment laws designed to ensure equal access to public education. Bonta later concluded that the district’s open enrollment and midyear transfer policies were discriminatory and violated the California Education Code. The investigation found that the district prioritized families based on higher socioeconomic status, creating barriers for disadvantaged students, English learners, and students with disabilities. It further determined that the district unlawfully denied or delayed enrollment for foster youth and students experiencing homelessness.