Chicago's schools are suing Illinois' governor and other state officials over how the state funds schools, claiming it violates the civil rights of the predominantly-minority student population in the nation's third-largest school district.
The lawsuit was filed in Cook County on behalf of black and Hispanic families. It seeks to have a judge declare the formula unlawful.
Chicago Public Schools officials say Illinois has separate and unequal funding systems leaving Chicago schools with less money per student when compared with districts statewide, which are majority white. The lawsuit cites the Brown v. Board of Education civil rights case.
Gov. Bruce Rauner's spokeswoman and state education officials didn't immediately offer comment. Similar lawsuits have been filed in most states. The Chicago Urban League filed one against Illinois. It is pending.
