The federal Department of Education threatens states with funding loss if they do not cease diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, following a Supreme Court ruling.
The federal Department of Education has issued a memo demanding that states confirm the cessation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within public schools, failing which they risk losing their federal funding within a ten-day timeframe. This directive follows a letter dated February 14, 2023, which was addressed to state education leaders and articulated the requirement for schools to comply with provisions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The communication also referenced the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which invalidated affirmative action policies.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Craig Trainor, stated in the memo that these measures stem from the Department’s commitment to ensure compliance with federal non-discrimination laws. He underscored that the Department would “vigorously enforce” these stipulations, warning that districts failing to comply may lose crucial federal funding. “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” Trainor remarked, highlighting the obligations that state education administrations accept when they accept federal funds.
Many schools in Maine have implemented DEI programs, which are often designed to address the needs of diverse student populations. In the past academic year, Maine K-12 schools received approximately $250 million in federal funds, which are essential for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds among other educational needs. Districts such as Lewiston and Portland heavily rely on this funding to bolster resources for their most vulnerable student populations. Despite these measures, the response from the Maine Department of Education has not yet been forthcoming.
The February deadline for compliance outlined in the earlier letter appeared to pass without immediate repercussions, yet the latest memo has introduced a stricter timeline. States now have until a date later this month to collect and submit certification from local districts affirming their compliance with Title VI and the Supreme Court ruling.
In parallel events, on the same day, the Utah State Board of Education voted against a motion to send a letter to President Trump endorsing the dismantling of the Department of Education. The proposal, which received a 10-4 vote, was originally drafted to praise Trump’s executive orders aimed at reducing federal oversight in education and shifting control to state-level authorities. Board member Sarah Reale echoed concerns among some members regarding the state’s ability to replace federal funding if it were lost.
Utah’s education landscape has also been characterised by federal funding dependence, particularly through Title I programs designed for economically disadvantaged students. With approximately 11% of the state’s public education budget of around $8 billion sourced from federal funds, the prospect of losing such funding raised alarms among board members. Legislative initiatives, including a proposed independent revenue plan devoid of federal support, were met with scepticism from several board members who expressed doubts about the state’s track record in managing educational resources.
Both developments underscore a pivotal moment for educational policy, as states navigate directives from the federal government whilst striving to balance educational equity and financial sustainability in the wake of major policy shifts.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://thegrio.com/2025/04/03/education-department-threatens-funding-for-public-schools-over-dei/ – This article supports the claim that the U.S. Department of Education is threatening to withhold federal funds from public schools if they do not eliminate DEI programs, citing federal non-discrimination laws. It highlights the impact on schools receiving Title I funding.
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-03/schools-have-10-days-to-comply-with-trump-anti-dei-policy-or-faces-losing-federal-funds – This article explains the ten-day deadline given to schools to comply with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI policy and details the risk of losing federal funding, including Title I funds, if they fail to comply.
- https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-takes-action-eliminate-dei – This press release from the U.S. Department of Education outlines actions taken to eliminate harmful DEI initiatives, aligning with President Trump’s executive orders and workforce guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Students_for_Fair_Admissions_v._Harvard – This reference supports the mention of the Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which is cited as a basis for requiring schools to end affirmative action policies.
- https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/crdcompliance.html – This page from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides information on compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which is referenced in the directive to schools.
- https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/246/School-Department – While specific financial details might not be directly available, this page illustrates the existence of schools like those in Lewiston, Maine, which rely heavily on federal funding for diverse student populations.
- https://www.pressherald.com/2025/04/03/new-memo-gives-maine-schools-10-days-to-remove-dei-programming-or-lose-federal-money/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references a recent memo and specific events from 2025, indicating that the content is currently relevant and up-to-date. However, it also mentions a letter from February 2023, which might suggest some elements of the story have been developing over time.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Acting Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor is present, but I could not find an earlier source online. This suggests it might be a recent or original statement, although verification is limited without additional context.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Press Herald, which is generally considered a reliable local news outlet. However, the reliability score is slightly reduced because the memo itself or direct quotes from other federal officials are not independently verified.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about federal funding and compliance with Title VI are plausible, given ongoing discussions about DEI programs and federal policies. The narrative aligns with current political and educational policy debates.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and relevant, with quotes that are potentially original. The source is generally reliable, and the claims are plausible given current political and educational contexts. However, verifying specific details about the memo or federal responses might be necessary for complete confirmation.
