Teachers Union Sues Trump Administration Over School Diversity Ban/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s order requiring schools to end race-based programs within two weeks. The lawsuit claims the directive violates free speech and due process and overextends a Supreme Court ruling on college admissions. The Education Department’s memo threatens to cut federal funding for noncompliance.
School Diversity Ban Quick Looks
- Teachers union and sociological group sue Trump administration over diversity ban
- Education Department’s memo demands schools end race-based policies within two weeks
- Lawsuit claims First and Fifth Amendment violations
- Memo applies to admissions, hiring, financial aid, and campus events
- Plaintiffs say teaching U.S. history could be restricted under new rules
- Federal funding at risk for noncompliant schools and universities
- Memo cites Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions
- Lawsuit seeks to halt enforcement and strike down the directive
Teachers Union Sues Trump Administration Over School Diversity Ban
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the American Sociological Association (ASA) filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a directive that threatens federal funding for schools using race-based practices.
The Education Department’s Feb. 14 memo orders schools and universities to eliminate any policies treating individuals differently based on race by Friday or risk losing federal support.
“This letter radically upends and re-writes well-established jurisprudence,” the lawsuit states, arguing that the First and Fifth Amendments are being violated.
What the Memo Says
Key Points of the Memo:
- Directed at all federally funded educational institutions
- Expands a Supreme Court ruling on race in college admissions to broader contexts
- Targets hiring, admissions, financial aid, and student events
- Claims schools are “smuggling racial stereotypes” into programs
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights:
“Discrimination based on race or national origin is illegal under any banner.”
Lawsuit Claims & Concerns
Major Legal Arguments:
- Free Speech Violation: Schools fear restrictions on teaching topics like slavery, segregation, and Native American history
- Due Process Issue: The two-week compliance deadline is “vague and unreasonable,” leaving schools unsure what violates the rules
- Threat to Student Groups: Voluntary racial or cultural student organizations, like Black Student Unions, may be disbanded
Educational Impact:
“How can schools teach U.S. history without covering topics like the Emancipation Proclamation or the Missouri Compromise?” the lawsuit asks.
Broader Implications
What’s at Stake:
- Federal funding could be withheld from schools not complying
- Student recruitment efforts aimed at diversity and inclusion could be curtailed
- Potential chilling effect on academic freedom and classroom discussions
Why It Matters:
“This directive undermines educators’ ability to prepare students for a diverse society,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.
What’s Next?
Upcoming Court Dates:
- Plaintiffs seek a temporary restraining order to block enforcement
- Judge expected to rule on injunction within the next week
Education Department Response:
- No immediate comment, but previous statements defend the memo as “upholding civil rights law.”
