A coalition of 19 states has taken legal action against the Trump administration for its threat to withhold federal funding from states and districts with specific diversity programs in their public schools. The lawsuit, filed in federal court by attorneys general from California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota, and other Democratic-leaning states, argues that the administration’s demand is unlawful.
At the heart of the lawsuit is an April 3 memo from the Trump administration, which required states to certify that they do not use certain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that the administration deems illegal. Failure to certify could result in the loss of federal funding for low-income students. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the administration had misinterpreted federal civil rights law to compel states to abandon lawful diversity programs.
The Trump administration has contended that certain diversity programs in schools violate federal civil rights law, specifically prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally funded programs. Citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on race in college admissions, the administration argues that the decision applies more broadly to the use of race in education.
While the administration has not provided a specific list of illegal diversity initiatives, it has suggested that targeted academic support or counseling for specific student groups could amount to segregation. Additionally, lessons on concepts like white privilege or structural racism have been deemed discriminatory. The lawsuit was filed following a federal court order for the administration to halt enforcement of the April 3 memo in separate lawsuits brought by teachers’ unions and the N.A.A.C.P.
Mr. Bonta emphasized that the lawsuit by the 19 states asserts distinct claims and represents the strong interest of states in ensuring federal funds reach students. Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, highlighted the potential catastrophic impact on students if federal funding is lost, particularly in school districts like Buffalo and Rochester, where nearly 20% of revenue comes from federal funds. She expressed the importance of upholding civil rights laws and safeguarding schools and students who depend on them.
The legal battle between the states and the Trump administration underscores the ongoing debate over diversity programs in public schools and the interpretation of federal civil rights laws. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how states approach diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education.
