State officials in New York have chosen not to comply with the Trump administration’s directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools. This decision comes despite the administration’s threats to cut off federal education funding. A letter from Daniel Morton-Bentley, legal counsel and deputy commissioner of the New York State Department of Education, addressed to the federal Education Department, emphasized that the state does not recognize the federal agency’s authority to make such demands.
Morton-Bentley stated that there is no federal or state law prohibiting DEI principles and expressed the state’s position that the federal department lacks the authority to impose its interpretation of legal rulings or to terminate funding without following a formal administrative process. The U.S. Department of Education has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The administration’s demand requires K-12 schools nationwide to certify within ten days their adherence to federal civil rights laws and the cessation of any discriminatory DEI practices as a condition for federal funding. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor emphasized that federal financial support is a privilege and noted that many schools have allegedly violated legal obligations by using DEI programs to favor one group over another.
The certification also requires state and school leaders to acknowledge that compliance with federal civil rights laws is a prerequisite for receiving federal funds. The directive specifically threatens Title I funding, which provides billions of dollars annually to schools in low-income areas.
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Morton-Bentley noted that the New York State Education Department has consistently confirmed its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, most recently in January. He argued that the federal department’s demand to end DEI programs is based on an incorrect legal interpretation. Furthermore, he highlighted that the current administration’s stance represents a significant shift from the previous Trump administration, which, under former U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, recognized diversity and inclusion as essential components of high organizational performance.
Critics of the certification demand argue that it contradicts the administration’s promise to return control of education to schools and states. The threat of financial sanctions mirrors previous actions by the administration against colleges in efforts to address protests deemed antisemitic. Similar resistance has been shown by New York state regarding a separate administration demand to terminate a program funding mass transit in New York City through high tolls on vehicles entering Manhattan.
Community Impact
- The standoff between New York state and the federal government could lead to changes in the way public schools in the state receive and allocate federal funds.
- Public school programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion might face challenges or need adjustments to align with federal regulations.
- Low-income schools, heavily reliant on Title I funding, could experience financial uncertainty, impacting educational resources and support systems.
- The broader education community may see increased tension between state and federal authorities, affecting policy implementation and educational priorities.
- Parents and students in New York may face uncertainties regarding the future of DEI initiatives within their local schools, influencing community relations and educational outcomes.