New York state officials have refused to comply with the Trump administration’s demands to end diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in public schools. Despite threats from the administration to withhold federal education funding, the state’s Department of Education believes that there is no federal or state law prohibiting these principles. Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel to the department, stated that the department is unaware of any authority the federal Department of Education has to demand that states agree with its interpretation of court decisions or to terminate funding without a formal process. The Trump administration had ordered K-12 schools to certify within 10 days that they are following federal civil rights laws and ending any discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. This request was a condition for receiving federal funds. The state education department has already certified to the federal government that it is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and argues that the federal department’s demands are based on a faulty legal interpretation. Critics argue that the certification demand conflicts with Trump’s promise to return education to schools and states.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/new-york-schools-trump-dei