A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump administration directives to cut federal funding for public schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The big picture: The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the administration, alleging violations of teachers’ due process and First Amendment rights.
- The US Education Department directed schools and colleges to end practices that differentiate people based on race, warning of potential civil rights enforcement actions and termination of federal grants if DEI practices continue.
- The lawsuit argued that the directives were vague and could violate teachers’ free speech rights, as they did not clearly define what DEI programs entail or what constitutes a violation of civil rights law.
- Some states indicated they would not comply with the directives, claiming that promoting DEI efforts is not illegal and that the administration is overstepping its authority.
Driving the news: The Feb 14 memo from the Education Department aimed to limit academic freedom by dictating what students can be taught, expanding the Supreme Court decision barring the use of race in college admissions to all aspects of education.
- Challenges against the memo were made by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, arguing that the guidance is vague and leaves schools uncertain about permissible actions.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned of potential funding cuts for states that did not comply with the directives, with the aim of preventing discrimination in schools.
- The judge ruling on the lawsuit emphasized concerns about the administration’s actions violating free speech rights and the need for clearer definitions of DEI programs.
