DOGE, Education Department threaten states’ funding if they don’t cut DEI programs
A letter penned by the Education Department and posted to X by DOGE gives state education departments 14 days to comply.
DOGE, Education Department threaten states’ funding if they don’t cut DEI programs
**Condensed Summary:**
The U.S. Department of Education and DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) have threatened to revoke federal funding for states that fail to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in schools within 14 days. The directive cites a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action as legal precedent, arguing that race-based policies violate nondiscrimination laws. Compliance assessments will begin after the deadline, affecting all educational levels (preschool to universities). Public colleges with DEI initiatives, including minority-focused clubs and grants, are already dismantling programs. The Trump administration has previously targeted DEI policies, removing federal DEI officers and blocking funding for schools teaching critical race theory. Democratic lawmakers, like Sen. Patty Murray, condemn the move as legally unfounded.
https://politi.co/41fowDb via @politico
U.S. Department of Education's 14-Day Ultimatum on Equal Opportunity: Will Universities Surrender or Resist? https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/02/16/u-s-department-of-educations-14-day-ultimatum-on-equal-opportunity-will-universities-surrender-or-resist/ via @ProfessorJVH
CURMUDGUCATION: Ed Discrimination Threats https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/02/ed-discrimination-threats.html
Summary of "doe doc.pdf"
1. Purpose & Legal Basis
The U.S. Department of Education reaffirms that discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded educational institutions violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. The letter emphasizes the illegality of racial preferences in admissions, hiring, financial aid, housing, and other institutional practices. [1][2][3]
2. Key Issues Identified
Racial Discrimination in Academia: Schools and universities have implemented race-based policies (e.g., admissions, segregated graduation ceremonies, dormitories) disadvantaging white and Asian students, often under the guise of "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI). [1][2]
Supreme Court Precedent: The 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruling clarified that race-based decisions must meet strict scrutiny (limited to remedying past discrimination or preventing safety risks). "Diversity" or "racial balancing" are not compelling interests. [2]
Indirect Discrimination: Schools use proxies (e.g., essays, extracurriculars, elimination of standardized tests) to mask racial preferences, which remain unlawful. DEI programs perpetuating racial stereotypes are also deemed discriminatory. [2][3]
3. Enforcement & Compliance
The Department will rigorously enforce civil rights laws and assess compliance within 14 days of the letter’s issuance (February 14, 2025).
Institutions must:
Cease race-based policies and proxies.
Avoid third-party contractors facilitating discriminatory practices.
Align all practices with federal nondiscrimination requirements. [3][4]
Consequences: Non-compliance risks loss of federal funding. Individuals may file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). [4]
4. Conclusion
The letter underscores a commitment to eliminating racial discrimination in education, urging institutions to adopt race-neutral policies and ensure equal treatment for all students. [3][4]
