GIA Education Report: Civil Rights Investigation at CSUSB, USDA Meal Cuts, and Student Entrepreneurs Win Big at CBU Competition

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva. 

Cal State San Bernardino is one of more than 50 universities under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for alleged civil rights violations under Title VI. The department claims the university’s partnership with The PhD Project may involve race-based eligibility practices. CSU officials deny any discrimination, citing compliance with federal and state laws. The investigation comes amid efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education itself, raising questions about enforcement capacity and political motivations. California leaders have filed lawsuits to block the department’s closure and protect federal education functions. 

In other news, The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cut more than $1 billion in funding for local food programs that supported school meal services and food banks nationwide. Programs like Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools, originally funded through pandemic-era relief, helped schools and nonprofits purchase fresh, locally grown food. Without continued support, school districts and food banks say they will be forced to rely on cheaper, less nutritious options. The decision comes amid rising food insecurity, increasing costs, and growing concern over how schools will continue to meet nutritional needs for students and families.  

Six student teams at California Baptist University recently competed in the eighth annual Bob Goodrich Business Plan Competition, pitching original business ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience. First place and a $7,500 prize went to Team InVision, whose educational platform uses augmented reality, real-time captioning, and AI to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Other winning ideas included a fire safety device for stoves and a greeting card kit designed to connect with seniors in care homes. The competition, open to all undergraduates, emphasizes entrepreneurship, collaboration, and real-world business planning. 

Barstow Community College has launched the 2025 Barstow Reads initiative, a community-wide reading program centered on Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig. The program promotes literacy and inclusion while encouraging open dialogue around identity, disability, and resilience. Events will include student panels, community read-arounds, and a keynote visit from the author on May 9. Copies of the book will be distributed for free through the BCC Library and local partners. Now in its second year, Barstow Reads continues to build community through the shared experience of reading. 

To close this report, we highlight 21 outstanding seniors from high schools across the desert region who will be honored at the final Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month event on April 1 at Fantasy Springs. Organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, the program celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and perseverance. These honorees, along with those recognized earlier in the year, will be eligible for Student of the Year scholarships to be awarded in May. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.