Trump administration threatens public schools' federal funding over DEI initiatives
CBSN
Washington — The Department of Education warned state education commissioners Thursday that federal financial assistance for their K-12 schools may be at risk unless they confirm they're complying with "antidiscrimination obligations," including getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The Education Department said it has sent letters to state commissioners overseeing K-12 state education agencies giving them 10 days to sign and return a certification attesting their compliance with federal civil rights law.
The document, titled in part "Reminder of Legal Obligations Undertaken in Exchange for Receiving Federal Financial Assistance," notes that federal funds are conditioned on that assurance that education entities will comply with federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. It warns that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, or DEI, is not allowed.
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