Alumni of Baltimore high school sue to block closing

Alumni of Northwestern High School in Baltimore are suing to prevent the district from closing the school in 2016. The Baltimore Sun says that civil rights activists have asserted that the closing would be discriminatory because it would disproportionately affect low-income, minority students. The school's alumni association is seeking a court injunction. The lawsuit contends that the school district's 10-year facilities plan was based on inaccurate and outdated information. The school district has determined that Northwestern High would need $48 million in renovations to remain open and voted last month to close it in 2016. The school board approved the plan last month after city schools CEO Andrés Alonso presented it in November.