On Thursday, the Trump administration warned that it may cut federal funding from public schools unless state education officials ensure the removal of all programs that it claims unjustly promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In a memo distributed to leading public education officials nationwide, the Education Department indicated that funding for schools with significant populations of low-income students, known as Title I funding, could be jeopardized unless there is adherence to the administration’s directive.
The memo included a certification letter that state and local school authorities are required to sign and return to the department within 10 days, despite the administration’s difficulty in defining which programs would infringe upon its interpretation of civil rights legislation. This action is part of a broader series of initiatives by the Education Department aimed at realizing President Trump’s political objectives within schools across the country.
During her confirmation hearing in February, Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserted that schools should indeed honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, she was more cautious when queried about whether courses centered on Black history conflicted with Mr. Trump’s policies and should be prohibited.
“I’m not entirely sure,” Ms. McMahon remarked, “and I would like to investigate it further.”
Recently, the Education Department stated that an “evaluation of school policies and programs depends on the specifics of each situation.”
Programs designed to acknowledge historical events and contributions while fostering awareness would not breach the law “as long as they do not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination,” the department explained.
“However, schools must evaluate whether any programming discourages individuals of all races from participating, either by explicitly excluding certain racial groups or by creating a hostile environment for students of specific races who do choose to engage,” the Education Department cautioned.
It also pointed out that the Justice Department could pursue legal action for breach of contract if it discovers that federal funds were utilized in violation of civil rights statutes.
Federal contributions represent approximately 8% of local school funding, although this percentage varies significantly. For instance, in Mississippi, about 23% of school funding is sourced from federal assistance, while only 7% of New York’s school funding comes from the federal government, as indicated by the Pew Research Center.
“Receiving federal financial assistance is a privilege, not an entitlement,” stated Craig Trainor, the acting assistant education secretary for civil rights. “By accepting federal funds, state education commissioners agree to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws.”
