New York Defies Trump Order to End DEI

5 Apr at 4:55 pm

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New York Defies Trump Order to End DEI \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ New York state officials have rejected the Trump administration’s demand to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in public schools. The refusal comes in response to a federal threat to withhold education funding. State leaders argue the administration lacks the legal authority to impose such conditions.

Quick Looks

New York refuses to end DEI in schools despite federal threats
Trump administration gave 10 days to certify DEI compliance
Federal funding tied to civil rights certification and legal memo
NY says Department of Education lacks legal enforcement power
6% of New York’s K-12 school funding comes from federal money
Title I funding for low-income schools specifically targeted
State cites previous Title VI certifications made in January
NY says position contradicts 2020 Trump-era DEI statements
Critics say Trump move undercuts promise of state-led education
Similar pressure tactics used on NYC transit and campus protests

Deep Look

New York state officials have formally refused to comply with a directive from the Trump administration to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 public schools. The administration has threatened to withhold critical federal education funding if states do not agree to certify an end to practices it considers discriminatory.

In a sharply worded response sent Friday, Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy commissioner of the New York State Education Department (NYSED), asserted that the Trump administration’s request lacks legal grounding and that the state sees no obligation to comply.

“There are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI,” Morton-Bentley wrote in the letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Education.

What the Trump Administration Demanded

The Trump administration on Thursday issued a nationwide order requiring K-12 public schools to certify, within 10 days, that they are not engaging in DEI practices the administration deems discriminatory. Compliance with this certification was tied directly to the continued receipt of federal funding, especially Title I funds that benefit low-income school districts.

“Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” said Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. He accused many schools of violating federal civil rights laws by “using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another.”

The certification letter included a detailed legal memo and required state education officials to sign off on a “reminder of legal obligations” or face the threat of funding termination.

New York Pushes Back, Cites Lack of Legal Authority

In his letter, Morton-Bentley challenged both the legal validity and the sudden shift in policy from the federal government. He pointed out that NYSED had already certified its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — most recently in January 2025 — which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

“You are already in possession of guarantees by NYSED that it has and will comply with Title VI. No further certification will be forthcoming,” the letter stated.

The response also criticized the administration for offering no explanation for its abrupt change in position on DEI since Trump’s first term. Morton-Bentley cited remarks made in 2020 by then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who had publicly supported DEI as essential to “high organizational performance.”

What’s at Stake: Federal Funding Threatened

Federal education funding comprises about 6% of New York’s total K-12 budget, with a significant portion coming through Title I allocations designed to support schools in low-income communities.

The administration’s threat to pull these funds — particularly without a formal administrative process — has raised alarm among educators, legal scholars, and civil rights advocates.

“This is not just a legal overreach — it’s a direct threat to vulnerable students,” said one education policy expert familiar with the dispute.

State Autonomy vs. Federal Oversight

The confrontation underscores a larger philosophical and constitutional clash over the role of federal versus state authority in education — an issue that has gained prominence under the Trump administration’s broader efforts to centralize control over public policy decisions.

Critics argue that the administration’s move undercuts Trump’s own promises to return education control to the states.

“You can’t campaign on local control and then impose federal mandates,” said one Democratic lawmaker in Albany.

Pattern of Pressure: Not Just About Schools

The federal DEI certification demand is just the latest instance in which the Trump administration has used funding threats as a tool of political enforcement.

In recent months, similar tactics were applied to colleges and universities, pressuring them to respond to anti-Israel protests that the administration has labeled antisemitic.
New York has also rejected federal demands to shut down its Manhattan congestion pricing plan, a key element in a mass transit funding overhaul.

“The federal government is pushing a top-down agenda that undermines local governance,” said a spokesperson for Governor Kathy Hochul, who has voiced support for keeping DEI policies intact in schools.

What DEI Means in Practice

DEI programs in education are often focused on:

Creating inclusive environments for students of diverse backgrounds
Promoting equitable access to academic opportunities
Training educators on unconscious bias and cultural competency
Ensuring schools are safe and welcoming for marginalized groups

Supporters argue that these programs help address long-standing disparities in education and improve student outcomes, especially for students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

Opponents — including the current administration — argue that some DEI frameworks promote reverse discrimination or prioritize group identity over merit.

What Comes Next?

It’s unclear how the standoff between New York and the federal government will evolve. Legal experts say the administration would likely face lawsuits if it attempts to withhold funds without proper legal process.

Meanwhile, other states are watching New York’s response closely. Several are expected to follow suit and resist federal certification demands, setting up what could become a multi-state legal battle over the future of DEI in education.