The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has officially said “no thanks” to a recent order from the Trump administration, arguing that the federal government doesn’t have the authority to make such demands—and that DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs aren’t breaking any federal or state laws.
The order in question gave schools just ten days to prove they’ve cut certain DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding, including crucial support for low-income districts through Title I. But NYSED pushed back, saying they’re already in line with civil rights laws like Title VI, which bans discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
More importantly, New York made it clear that it’s not backing down on its commitment to equity in education. The state believes DEI efforts help make schools more inclusive, close achievement gaps, and support students from all walks of life.
At a time when DEI is under fire in some parts of the country, New York’s response is a strong reminder that it’s sticking to its values. The message is simple: DEI matters, and New York isn’t letting politics get in the way of doing what’s right for its students.
-Allen Riddick
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