WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — The clock is ticking for schools across the United States to dismantle their diversity, equity and inclusion programs or risk losing federal funding.
The U.S. Department of Education has ordered state and K-12 school district leaders to certify “compliance with their antidiscrimination obligations,” which the Trump administration argues are violated by DEI programs that “advantage one race over another.”
School officials face a Thursday deadline to confirm the removal of DEI initiatives. If they don’t, they could face cuts to federal funds, which account for about 10% of public school budgets on average.
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“No student should be denied opportunity or treated differently because of their race,” the department said in a statement to NewsNation. “When state education commissioners accept federal funding, they undertake the obligation to abide by federal antidiscrimination law. The Department is simply asking school districts to certify they are following the law and not using race preferences or pernicious race stereotypes in schools.”
According to Education Week, at least 16 states have declined to certify compliance, and more than a dozen are either still reviewing the order or have not issued a statement.
Colleges in crosshairs of Trump DEI fight
This move has led to pushback. The National Education Association has accused the White House of punishing students and teachers for fostering inclusive classrooms.
However, the Education Department has claimed some schools, even at the collegiate level, use DEI programs to discriminate against some students.
Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, plus schools’ equity efforts
Through several executive orders signed Wednesday, Trump ordered increased enforcement of laws requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties to foreign sources.
Another order targets college accreditors, which allows universities to access federal financial aid for students. Trump is demanding the termination or suspension of accreditors that base their standards on DEI and not merit.
This week, more than 150 university presidents signed a statement accusing Trump of overreach and political interference in higher education.
Trump eyes implementing AI in classrooms
On Wednesday, Trump also signed an executive order requiring schools to implement more artificial intelligence into classrooms and programs. He claimed the plan could help prepare children for the future workforce.
During his first several days in office this year, Trump announced a $500 billion investment for AI data centers.
