New York's education officials have vocally rejected a Trump administration order pressuring states to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools, arguing no laws prohibit DEI principles. Daniel Morton-Bentley, Deputy Commissioner, stated there is no clear guidance from the Department of Education on what constitutes a violation of Title VI, amid threats of funding cuts. This move reflects a broader resistance to perceived censorship against DEI, with Chicago's mayor also indicating plans to legally challenge such federal actions that undermine educational initiatives.
We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems diversity, equity & inclusion. ... But there are no federal or state laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.
The letter represents an early and forceful pushback to the threat that gave state education agencies 10 days to guarantee that no public schools in their states have DEI programs.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city was planning to sue the federal government if it withheld funds because of the order, calling it an 'unconstitutional' attack on free speech.
USDOE has yet to define what practices it believes violate Title VI.
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