Introduction to the Trump Administration’s New Policy

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that K-12 schools must certify they are following the Trump administration’s interpretation of federal civil rights laws, which includes eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, in order to receive federal money.

Background on the Certification Process

A notice sent by the Education Department gives states and schools 10 days to sign and return the certification. This move is the latest escalation against DEI policies and gives the administration a new lever for terminating federal funding. According to Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, "Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right." He stated that many schools have flouted their legal obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another.

Details of the Certification

The certification asks state and school leaders to sign a "reminder of legal obligations" acknowledging their federal money is conditioned on compliance with federal civil rights laws. It also demands compliance with several pages of legal analysis written by the administration. The administration wrote in the certification that the use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law, adding that it is illegal for programs to advantage one race over another.

Implications of Non-Compliance

Schools and states that use DEI practices deemed to be illegal by the Trump administration can face a loss of federal money, including grants and contracts, and can be held liable under the False Claims Act, according to the Education Department’s new certification. This specifically threatens Title I funding, which sends billions of dollars a year to America’s schools, targeting low-income areas. For example, Chicago Public Schools expected about $400 million in Title 1 funding this year.

Reaction from Educational Institutions

Mayor Brandon Johnson said in an interview that the order won’t stop Chicago Public Schools from teaching practices or protecting students. A spokeswoman for the Illinois State Board of Education stated that the agency received the letter and emphasized Illinois’ commitment to helping every child from every community, background, socioeconomic status, gender, and race, which is consistent with federal and state laws and their values.

Previous Actions by the Trump Administration

This move comes after the Education Department last week revoked its approval for Illinois schools to spend $77 million in federal pandemic relief dollars as part of a nationwide effort to claw back funding. This money was expected to be spent at 27 school districts on services including transportation for homeless children, technology for students with disabilities, and tutoring to help with learning loss.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s requirement for K-12 schools to eliminate DEI practices to receive federal money marks a significant shift in the interpretation and enforcement of federal civil rights laws in education. This move is likely to have far-reaching implications for schools, students, and communities across the United States, potentially affecting the availability of federal funding for programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

FAQs

• Q: What is the Trump administration requiring K-12 schools to do?
  A: The Trump administration is requiring K-12 schools to certify that they are eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices to receive federal money.
• Q: Why is the Trump administration making this requirement?
  A: The administration believes that certain DEI practices violate federal law by discriminating against one group of Americans to favor another.
• Q: What are the potential consequences for schools that do not comply?
  A: Schools that do not comply can face a loss of federal money, including grants and contracts, and can be held liable under the False Claims Act.
• Q: How have educational institutions reacted to this requirement?
  A: Educational institutions, such as Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois State Board of Education, have expressed commitment to continuing their practices aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing that these are consistent with federal and state laws and their values.