California has refused to comply with an executive order requiring public schools to certify the elimination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to the Los Angeles Times, the state Department of Education claimed that no state or federal laws actually prohibit DEI.
California’s 1,100 school districts have yet to certify the removal of programs that meet Trump’s definition of DEI. In a letter to school superintendents, charter schools, and county education officers dated April 11, the state reiterated its position on the issue.
“There is nothing in state or federal law that outlaws the broad concepts of diversity, equity, or inclusion,” wrote Chief Deputy Supt. David Schapira in a letter.
The state’s DOE described the order as “unclear” in another letter to the US Department of Education.
“It is also unclear which specific programs or activities [the federal agency] seeks to regulate through this certification, even though the request for certification mentions ‘certain DEI practices’ or ‘illegal DEI.’ The document explains that it does not define such.
The move disregards the US government’s April 24 deadline to certify all districts’ compliance with the anti-DEI order. All California school districts face potential federal funding cuts, as previously warned.
Since taking office, President Trump and his administration have used executive orders to crack down on DEI measures. The broad title referred to initiatives that directly benefit specific groups, most notably the underserved. However, Trump now views DEI as race-based discrimination that violates civil rights laws.
The demand resulted in a slew of DEI-related positions and programs across federal agencies. Despite this, California continues to pursue the issue, despite the fact that over $16 billion in estimated funding is at stake.
On the other hand, some GOP-led school districts have already complied with Trump’s demands. Colleges and universities within the public school system have also followed suit.
California has joined a number of other states, including New York and Minnesota, in challenging the order. However, the state has faced additional investigations into its SAFETY Act. The act prohibits students from “forced outing” their gender identity to their parents.
Tony Thurmond, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized that the law does not violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The federal law, known as FERPA, ensures that parents have access to their children’s school records.
Furthermore, Thurmond stated that California remains compliant with federal laws while also pursuing the safety and wellness of all students in its districts.
“Today, California affirmed existing and continued compliance with federal laws while we stay the course to move the needle for all students,” Thurmond told reporters. “As our responses to the United States Department of Education state, and as the plain text of state and federal laws affirm, there is nothing unlawful about broad core values such as diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
He concluded: “I am proud of our students, educators, and school communities, who continue to focus on teaching and learning despite federal actions intended to distract and disrupt.”
California also claimed that the Trump administration is attempting to change the requirements for states to receive federal funding without going through a formal administrative process. However, the Los Angeles Unified School District, California’s largest, has remained neutral on the issue. It stated that it would follow state guidelines while complying with federal law.
