Mass., N.H. Education Leaders Divided Over Trump DEI Ban

Massachusetts officials have firmly rejected the Trump administration's order to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from public schools, despite threats to cut federal funding. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler stated that the state's DEI initiatives comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and are essential for educational success. This defiance aligns Massachusetts with other Democrat-led states, like Vermont, while Republican-led states, such as New Hampshire, have opted to comply with the directive. The administration's efforts to mandate compliance have sparked legal challenges, with several districts preparing to join lawsuits against the federal government. The U.S. Department of Education has extended the compliance deadline to April 24, 2025, further intensifying the standoff between state officials and the Trump administration. Critics argue that the administration's approach could undermine educational diversity and equity.