Document Type
Report
Publication Date
Winter 11-2025
Abstract
Discussions about the challenges facing Puerto Rico’s education system often ignore the profound and lasting impact of United States policies that have systematically discriminated against the territory’s students. Today’s education system reflects a layered trauma—one rooted in colonial marginalization and reinforced by a post-1965 federal education framework that has consistently failed to adequately serve Puerto Rico’s youth.
This report highlights the impact of U.S. policy on Puerto Rico’s students compared to those in the 50 states and District of Columbia. Focusing on resource inequities, the exclusion from federal programs, and the limited influence on education policymakers in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico’s education system has operated on an uneven playing field due to discriminatory U.S. law and regulations. Furthermore, this report illustrates how despite Puerto Rico having parity with states under federal education law, disparate policy excludes Puerto Rico students from the same benefits as its state counterparts. This unjust treatment continues to perpetuate systemic inequities that negatively impact student outcomes for students in Puerto Rico.
Included in
American Politics Commons, Education Commons, Education Law Commons
