Wisconsin pushes back on DEI directive, risking federal school funding 

CV NEWS FEED // Wisconsin is refusing to comply with a new federal directive aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools, potentially putting hundreds of millions in federal funding at risk.

State Superintendent Jill Underly announced that Wisconsin school districts will not adhere to the April 3 order from the Department of Education (DOE) without further clarification. 

The directive gave K-12 schools 10 days to verify they are not violating civil rights laws through DEI programs, citing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard case, which struck down race-based college admissions.

“Unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

“Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” he stated.

If the state refuses to comply, Wisconsin could lose roughly $216 million in Title I funds. 

Underly pushed back with a letter written by General Counsel Benjamin Jones calling the order “redundant,” “unauthorized,” and “unlawful.” She accused the administration of politicizing education policy.

“We cannot stand by while the current administration threatens our schools with unnecessary and potentially unlawful mandates based on political beliefs,” Underly said.

The Trump administration’s move builds on a February 14 “Dear Colleague” letter, which called for the elimination of race-based preferences in education, arguing such practices amount to discrimination and violate federal law.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, confirmed in March, has vowed to root out the political activism and discrimination in the education system.

“American education…ought not to be corrupted by political ideologies, special interests, and unjust discrimination,” McMahon said shortly after taking office. “Parents, teachers, and students alike deserve better.” 

Last month, her department launched civil rights investigations into 45 universities over illegal DEI practices.

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