Nineteen states sue Trump administration over plans to end diversity programs in public schools, challenging the policy in court.
Nineteen states sued the Trump administration over its directive to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public schools.
These states have escalated their opposition by filing a federal lawsuit.
They argue the administration’s threat to withhold education funds is unlawful and harmful to students and schools.
Lawsuit filed to protect Federal Education funding
A coalition of Democratic attorneys general filed the lawsuit in Massachusetts.
It aims to block the Department of Education from cutting funds based on an April 3 directive.
This directive requires states to certify their compliance with civil rights laws by rejecting what the administration deems “illegal DEI practices.”
Additionally, states were instructed to obtain signatures from local school districts certifying their compliance by April 24.
The states refused the directive, reaffirming their commitment to civil rights laws and policies promoting equitable access to education.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell stated that DEI programs are essential for creating safe and supportive environments for students.
“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,” she said.
Judicial pushback against Trump administration policies
This lawsuit follows court rulings that temporarily blocked enforcement of similar Trump administration policies.
Courts in Maryland, D.C., and New Hampshire recently blocked parts of the administration’s efforts to limit race-based education policies.
In Maryland, a judge postponed the start of a February memo ordering schools to stop race-based practices.
In Washington, D.C., a court blocked enforcement of the April certification requirement with an injunction.
New Hampshire’s court blocked the Department of Education from enforcing the directive against plaintiffs, including a major teachers’ union.
Concerns over vagueness and academic freedom
The lawsuits argue that the administration’s guidance is vague and threatens to undermine academic freedom.
Educators are unsure which actions are legal, including whether voluntary minority student groups can still operate.
The new legal complaint warns states could lose more than $13.8 billion in federal funding if they don’t comply with the certification requirement.
This funding supports critical educational services, including programs for students with disabilities.
“Plaintiffs are left with an impossible choice: either certify compliance with an ambiguous and unconstitutional federal directive — threatening to chill polices, programs and speech – or risk losing indispensable funds that serve their most vulnerable student populations,” the lawsuit states.
A broad coalition of states stands united
The coalition of plaintiffs includes attorneys general from a diverse group of states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Department of Education responds to lawsuit
The Department of Education has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
However, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has publicly warned that districts refusing to return the certification forms might face funding cuts.
In a recent Fox Business interview, McMahon emphasized that the forms are designed to ensure no discrimination occurs in schools.
She warned states that failure to sign the certification could result in “some defunding in their districts.”