New York education defies Trump on diversity programs

New York State education officials are standing firm against directives from the Trump administration regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced plans to withhold federal funding from schools maintaining these programs, claiming they violate federal civil rights laws. In response, Daniel Morton-Bentley, the deputy commissioner for legal affairs at the New York State Education Department, wrote a letter expressing that New York would not comply, emphasizing that there are no federal or state laws prohibiting DEI principles. Morton-Bentley questioned the authority of the federal government to enforce such compliance without formal processes, highlighting an abrupt policy shift from previous Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who had largely supported DEI initiatives. He indicated the department's belief that the current administration's efforts are an attempt to censor important aspects of education related to diversity and inclusion. This national controversy arose in the context of a Supreme Court decision which invalidated race-conscious admissions programs, further escalating the discussions around affirmative action and DEI strategies in schools. The Trump administration's letter not only targeted New York but also extended nationwide, with various local leaders, including Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson, echoing similar sentiments of defiance and readiness to challenge funding threats through litigation. As education officials across the country react to these developments, the implications for federal funding and educational policies are vast. With New York schools receiving significant financial support from the federal government, the fight over DEI programs raises critical questions about the intersection of state autonomy, educational equity, and federal oversight in the U.S. education system.