Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive into the latest news and developments from the U.S. Department of Education. This week, the most significant headline comes from the department's recent actions to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. On January 23, 2025, the department announced it had removed or archived hundreds of guidance documents, reports, and training materials that include mentions of DEI from its outward-facing communication channels[5].
This move is part of a broader effort by the new administration to end what it calls "illegal discrimination and wasteful spending" across the federal government. The department has also put employees charged with leading DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave and dissolved the Diversity & Inclusion Council, established under President Obama.
But that's not all. On February 17, 2025, the department announced cuts to several grants to institutions and nonprofits that were using taxpayer funds to "train teachers and education agencies on divisive ideologies"[1]. This decision signals a significant shift in the department's priorities, moving away from programs aimed at promoting diversity and equity in education.
Moreover, the Office for Civil Rights within the department issued a "Dear Colleague" letter on February 14, 2025, threatening the federal funding of any academic institution that considers race in any manner of operation. This letter expands the department's interpretation of the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, broadly prohibiting all educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance from using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, and more[1].
These changes have significant implications for American citizens, particularly those in marginalized communities. The elimination of DEI initiatives and the restriction on race-conscious practices could exacerbate existing inequalities in education. As Cathryn Oakley, Senior Director of Legal Policy at the Human Rights Campaign, noted, "This would give Trump unprecedented powers to undo many of the protections the LGBTQ+ community have spent decades fighting to gain"[2].
In contrast, the Biden administration had proposed a 3.9% increase in discretionary funding for the Department of Education in its fiscal year 2025 budget, emphasizing investments in early learning, K-12, and higher education[3]. However, this proposal is now at odds with the new administration's actions.
So, what's next? The department will begin assessing compliance with the new guidelines no later than February 28, 2025. Institutions that fail to comply may face investigation and loss of federal funding.
If you're concerned about these developments, there are ways to engage. The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) is working to provide resources and support to its members. You can also stay informed by visiting the Department of Education's website and following updates from education advocacy groups.
In conclusion, the latest news from the Department of Education marks a significant shift in priorities, with potential far-reaching impacts on American citizens and the education system. Stay tuned for more updates, and let's keep the conversation going. Thank you for listening.
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3 mins