As the April 24 deadline approaches for states to affirm compliance with the Trump administration’s policies restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools or risk losing federal education funds, several states say they will not comply with the federal demands, while others intend to meet the requirements.
At least 11 states with Democratic governors, including New York, Colorado, Washington, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin, have openly refused to comply with the administration’s demands for school districts to certify that they are not violating Title VI civil rights law through implementing DEI policies.
In a letter rejecting the directive, New York’s Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs Daniel Morton-Bentley said the state education department is unaware of any legal authority the federal government has to demand states eliminate DEI programs or withdraw federal funds if states refuse to comply, according to The Washington Post.
Morton-Bentley said New York has already certified compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, making additional certification unnecessary.
Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova also confirmed that the state would not comply, noting that Colorado’s education system already adheres to Title VI standards and the latest federal demand differs from previous assurances signed by districts, Fox 31 reported.
In Washington state, education chief Chris Reykdal described the federal certification request as lacking authority and clarity, calling it in a statement last week “an assault on the autonomy of states and local school districts.”