Introduction to the Lawsuit

Nineteen states have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over its push to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts by Democratic attorneys general, seeks to block the Department of Education from withholding federal funding from states that refuse to comply with the administration’s directive.

Background of the Directive

The directive, issued on April 3, ordered states to certify their compliance with civil rights laws, including the rejection of what the federal government calls "illegal DEI practices." States were also told to gather signatures from local school systems certifying their compliance by April 24. However, the plaintiff states have refused to abandon policies that promote equal access to education, arguing that DEI initiatives are legal efforts that help students feel safe, supported, and respected.

Quotes from Key Figures

"Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are legal efforts that help students feel safe, supported and respected. The Trump administration’s threats to withhold critical education funding due to the use of these initiatives are not only unlawful, but harmful to our children, families, and schools," said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

Recent Court Rulings

The new lawsuit comes a day after judges in three states ruled against the Trump administration in separate but related cases. A Maryland judge postponed the effective date of a February 14 memo, while a judge in Washington, D.C., granted a preliminary injunction against the April certification letter. In New Hampshire, a judge ruled that the department cannot enforce either document against the plaintiffs in that case, which includes one of the nation’s largest teachers’ unions.

Impact of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit accuses the administration of imperiling more than $13.8 billion in federal funding, including money used to serve students with disabilities. "Plaintiffs are left with an impossible choice: either certify compliance with an ambiguous and unconstitutional federal directive — threatening to chill policies, programs and speech – or risk losing indispensable funds that serve their most vulnerable student populations," the lawsuit states.

Parties Involved

In addition to Campbell, the plaintiffs are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The education department did not respond to a request for comment, but President Donald Trump’s education secretary, Linda McMahon, has warned of potential funding cuts if states do not return the certification forms.

Statement from Education Secretary

In a Tuesday interview on the Fox Business Network, McMahon said that states that refuse to sign could "risk some defunding in their districts." The purpose of the form is "to make sure there’s no discrimination that’s happening in any of the schools," she said.

By HOLLY RAMER

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) —

Originally Published: April 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM EDT

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by the 19 states is a significant challenge to the Trump administration’s push to end DEI programs in public schools. The outcome of the lawsuit will have a major impact on the future of education policy in the United States.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the lawsuit filed by the 19 states?
A: The lawsuit seeks to block the Department of Education from withholding federal funding from states that refuse to comply with the administration’s directive to end DEI programs.
Q: What is the amount of federal funding at risk?
A: The lawsuit accuses the administration of imperiling more than $13.8 billion in federal funding.
Q: Who are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit?
A: The plaintiffs are the attorneys general of 19 states, including Massachusetts, California, and New York.
Q: What is the response from the education department?
A: The education department did not respond to a request for comment, but President Donald Trump’s education secretary, Linda McMahon, has warned of potential funding cuts if states do not return the certification forms.