Trump Administration Threatens Billions in Federal School Funding Over DEI Programs

States face a 10-day deadline to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives or risk losing critical Title I and other federal education funds.

The Trump administration issued a directive requiring states to certify the removal of DEI programs in schools to maintain federal funding eligibility.
Title I funding, supporting high-poverty schools, as well as funds for students with disabilities and Head Start programs, are at risk.
Colorado and New Jersey are reviewing the directive, while New York has refused to comply, and Chicago is weighing legal action.
The directive relies on the administration’s interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and a recent Supreme Court affirmative action ruling.
Critics argue the directive could disproportionately harm low-income and marginalized students, with billions of dollars in funding at stake nationwide.