NY state says it won't comply with Trump DEI demands on K-12 classrooms

The New York State Education Department said it won’t adhere to Trump administration demands that the state cut diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from schools in exchange for billions in federal funding.

The federal Department of Education sent states' school systems notices Thursday telling them to certify compliance with federal civil rights law, Title VI, as well as a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that barred colleges from considering race in most admissions decisions. It said signing the certification was a “material condition for the continued receipt of federal financial assistance.”

State education department spokesperson J.P. O’Hare said New York had already certified it was in compliance with Title VI.

“Given that the [U.S. Department of Education] is already in possession of the guarantees by [New York schools], no further certification will be forthcoming,” he said in a statement.

Title VI was passed as part of sweeping civil rights reforms in the 1960's is meant to prevent any race, gender or class from receiving favorable treatment over another.

The recent directive is part of a larger attack by President Donald Trump on educational institutions from Ivy League universities to local kindergartens that practice DEI policies and instruction.

The federal education department did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in its notice said, “The use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law … The continued use of illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences” including the loss of federal funds and litigation.

New York City’s education budget is $40 billion, including about $2 billion in federal funds.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze $400 million in funds for Columbia University over what it said were policies that let antisemitism and violence against Jewish students fester amid protests against Israel and the war in Gaza. Columbia has made several policy changes in response and has continued talks with the administration over restoring funds. Harvard and Brown are among the other universities targeted by Trump.

O’Hare, from the state education department, said New York continues to work with New York schools “to increase equity, access and opportunities in education for all New York State students.”