New Jersey again finds itself within the crosshairs of the Trump Administration.
The US Education Department is warning states that schools could lose access to federal funds if they don’t follow new guidance tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a letter sent Thursday, the department asked state education leaders to certify that schools follow federal civil rights laws and a recent Supreme Court decision. The certification is due in 10 days and is required to keep receiving federal funds. It’s a move that critics of the President argue is antithetical to the idea of state’s rights.
The warning follows a February letter that caused confusion among districts. Some are already seeing cuts to pandemic relief and research funding. In New Jersey, at least 20 school districts are affected.
However, the letter sent is viewed by some as weightless. Attorney David Rubin, who advises many NJ school districts, said the letter doesn’t actually require schools to change anything. He called the move more political than legal and told districts to keep following existing laws.
West Windsor-Plainsboro schools, which get about $3.1 million in federal aid, recently passed a resolution supporting diversity within its schools. Superintendent David Aderhold said the district won’t back down and doesn’t believe it’s violating any laws.
The federal government hasn’t clearly defined what it means by DEI. Rubin said districts should stick to lawful practices and continue teaching full and accurate history, including topics like slavery.
New Jersey receives about $1.2 billion a year in federal education funding. State officials say they are reviewing the letter.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.