Oregon Sues Trump Admin Over Threatened School Funds Due to DEI Policies
PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield participated in a multistate legal action on Friday, contesting the Trump administration’s threat to reduce federal funds for K-12 educational institutions implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
A coalition of 19 attorneys general initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Education after the department notified state and local educational bodies on April 3 that they would face potential withdrawal of federal funds if they did not comply with directives to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
As stated by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, losing federal funds could have "devastating" consequences for educational institutions.
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This isn't about politics — it's about ensuring schools aren't penalized financially simply because they aim to establish equitable and inclusive atmospheres for every student," stated Attorney General Rayfield. "Civil rights laws cannot be altered through executive orders. Title VI is designed to shield students against discrimination; it shouldn't serve as a negotiating tool.
As per information from Rayfield’s Office, the U.S. Department of Education allocates approximately $437 million in annual federal funds to Oregon, leaving about $316 million designated for the state for the 2024 fiscal year.
This funding encompasses several areas aimed at ensuring equitable educational opportunities: supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds so they can enjoy the same high-quality learning experiences as their peers; providing specialized instruction for those with disabilities; aiding in recruiting and educating new educators; financing initiatives designed to help non-English speaking individuals acquire proficiency in English; and offering assistance specifically tailored for youth in foster care systems as well as homeless minors.
In order to keep getting financial support, the Trump administration wants schools and educational institutions to offer documented assurances stating they will adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or nationality. The Trump administration contends that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives go against Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
In response, the attorneys general say that the Department of Education’s effort to withhold funding for DEI policies is in violation of the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Other states joining the lawsuit include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Oregon is among states refusing to comply with the administration’s demand, with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek ordering the Oregon Department of Education to “hold the line” on its DEI initiatives.
“Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values. Making sure every child has the opportunity to meet their future promise with a strong public education is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government and one of my top priorities as Governor,” Kotek said.
The governor stated, "The Trump Administration's threat to deprive Oregon students of necessary funds harms children and families and disrespects the commitment and efforts of our teachers. Therefore, I instructed the ODE to stand firm today. We cannot accept this unjustified and illegal move aimed at removing resources guaranteed to Oregon students and financed through the taxes we pay to the federal government."
In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for written assurances from state agencies, ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams defended DEI practices in Oregon.
“Oregon has implemented and continues to implement education programs in accordance with state and federal law. Oregon remains fiercely committed to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate our differences and common humanity. Our moral and ethical obligation is to stand up for public education. We want to assure Oregonians that their children can learn and thrive in safe, welcoming, and supportive environments,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams wrote.
Dr. Williams added, it is not “okay” to leverage school funding for political purposes.
The responses from ODE and the governor come after Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously praised Puerto Rico for being the first to comply with the administration’s request, as reported by the Associated Press .
"Any state wishing to keep getting federal funding should follow this example," McMahon tweeted on X.
As reported by the Associated Press, the letter "doesn't have legal weight but warns of potential civil rights actions aimed at eliminating DEI initiatives in educational institutions," indicating that schools might be subjected to litigation from the Department of Justice.
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