Education Associations Urge Schools to Defy Trump DEI Directive

Education associations across the U.S. are pushing back against the Trump administration's directive to halt diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as outlined in a recent Department of Education memo. The School Superintendents Association (AASA) advised its members to disregard the guidance, arguing that it lacks legal merit and is motivated more by intimidation than enforceable action. Higher education groups, including the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), have echoed this sentiment, calling the administration's stance an attack on civil rights in education. The Department's 'Dear Colleague' letter threatened funding cuts for institutions that do not comply within two weeks, but many school leaders believe legal challenges will protect their DEI programs. Critics of the administration's order are concerned about the potential implications for educational equity and inclusivity. Meanwhile, the Education Department maintains that such policies violate existing civil rights laws.