AG James Leads Coalition Defending DEIA Policies in Schools
New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of 14 attorneys general, issued guidance Wednesday affirming the legality and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. This move responds to concerns from educational institutions following a federal executive order and a U.S. Department of Education (DOE) "Dear Colleague" letter warning against DEIA programming.
The DOE's February 14 letter is in order with President Donald Trump’s consistent criticism and executive orders against DEI programs and directs educational institutions receiving federal funds to cease using race preferences and stereotypes in various aspects, including admissions, hiring, financial aid, and other programs. The letter emphasized that discrimination based on race, color, or national origin is illegal and threatens that institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may face potential loss of federal funding.
“Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon “systemic and structural racism” and advanced discriminatory policies and practices,” the letter, sent by the DOE’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, reads.
James and her counterparts argue that the DOE's recent actions misinterpret the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. While the decision limited how race can be considered in college admissions, the coalition emphasized that schools can still pursue diverse student bodies through lawful means such as targeted outreach, recruitment efforts, and equitable student support programs.
The coalition’s guidance clarifies that institutions may continue outreach initiatives to historically underrepresented students as long as all applicants have equal opportunities to apply and compete for admission. Schools can lawfully consider factors such as academic interests, geographic location, financial need, and parental education levels in their outreach efforts.
Beyond higher education, the attorneys general urged K-12 schools to foster inclusive environments that comply with anti-discrimination and civil rights laws. They recommended that school leaders assess their policies to ensure student safety, equity, and readiness for college and careers.
Attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia joined James in issuing the guidance.
A copy of the letter from the U.S. Department of Education is available below
Click HERE to read Howard Eagle's editorial on this subject
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