In response to a federal order to scrap DEI programs in K-12 schools, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is pushing back, risking the loss of federal funding. The order required states to certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and a Supreme Court ruling banning affirmative action. ODE director Dr. Charlene Williams certified compliance but criticized the federal government’s overreach. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek supported ODE’s stance, stating that withholding funds hurts students and families. The federal certification request was seen as an attempt to coerce states into halting DEI programs, which ODE is committed to maintaining. Despite the threats to funding, ODE remains firm in its support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in schools.
The federal order led to the suspension of $3.5 million in COVID-era relief funds for ODE, which some speculate was due to the lack of direct impact on student outcomes. However, ODE denies this allegation and emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity in schools for improved learning outcomes. The certification document’s vague terms and lack of legal basis for prohibiting DEI practices further strengthened ODE’s position. This pushback from ODE signifies a strong defense of Oregon’s values and a commitment to supporting diverse educational programs in the state’s schools.
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