Schools Must Reject Trump’s Attack on Diversity Programs

Donald Trump has issued a sweeping order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools — a dangerous and plainly unlawful attempt to erase efforts to make education more inclusive, fair, and reflective of all students.

But New York just showed us how to fight back.

The New York State Education Department has announced it will not comply with Trump’s anti-DEI mandate, refusing to certify the administration’s attempt to gut programs that support students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and others historically marginalized in the classroom.

Now it’s time for every school district and every state to follow New York’s lead.

The Trump administration’s directive gives schools just 10 days to comply or risk losing critical federal education funding — with a deadline of April 13, 2025. This is an outrageous abuse of power and a blatant attempt to force schools into abandoning values of inclusion and equity under threat of financial punishment.

Silencing conversations about race, gender, and equity is a classic authoritarian move. But the best antidote to authoritarianism is collective action — and schools must join together to reject this order and stand up for their students, educators, and communities.

Diversity programs make schools stronger. They help ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Dismantling those programs puts vulnerable students at risk and undermines the promise of equal opportunity in education.

Add your name to demand that school districts and state education officials across the country reject Trump’s unlawful anti-DEI order before the April 13 deadline — and stand up for inclusion, equity, and the students they serve.