The federal Department of Education has announced it will conduct a civil rights investigation into New York City schools, according to recent reports. The investigation will review educational practices and policies within the nation's largest school district.

The probe comes amid ongoing legal and policy disputes surrounding the city's educational system. New York City operates several specialized high schools that use competitive admissions processes, which have been the subject of debate regarding access and equity.

According to the New York Times, the investigation will specifically examine teachings and activities by a group identified as N.Y.C. Educators for Palestine. The federal review will assess whether civil rights violations have occurred in connection with the group's educational activities.

Separately, the New York Post reported on a lawsuit filed by a family alleging discrimination in the city's specialized high school admissions process. The case involves claims that current policies have created barriers for certain student populations seeking admission to elite public high schools.

The Department of Education has not provided a timeline for completing the investigation. New York City school officials have not yet issued a comprehensive public response to the federal probe.

The investigation represents the latest federal scrutiny of one of the country's largest and most diverse school systems, which serves over one million students across five boroughs.