A group of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students and former Superintendent Austin Beutner have filed a lawsuit against LAUSD and current Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, alleging that $76.7 million in Proposition 28 funds intended for arts and music education have been misused.
Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the lawsuit claims that hundreds of thousands of students have been denied access to expanded arts and music instruction, violating Prop. 28’s mandate.
One plaintiff, a 15-year-old Franklin High School student, alleges she has never been able to take an arts class at either Franklin High or her previous middle school, Luther Bank Middle School.
The lawsuit is backed by major labor unions, including:
- United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)
- Service Employees International Union, Local 99
- Teamsters Local 572
Proposition 28, approved by California voters in 2022, was designed to increase arts and music education funding in public schools—particularly benefiting low-income students and students of color. Key requirements include:
- Dedicated funding for hiring arts and music teachers.
- Funds must be in addition to existing arts education budgets—not replace them.
- At least 80% of funds must be used to hire arts teachers and aides.
The lawsuit argues that LAUSD has failed to properly allocate Prop. 28 funds, depriving students of the arts education they were promised. Parents of the student plaintiffs issued a statement emphasizing that arts and music education are critical for their children’s academic, career, and personal development.
The plaintiffs are seeking legal action to ensure compliance with Prop. 28 and restore funding to arts and music education programs. LAUSD has not yet issued a formal response to the lawsuit.
