Minnesota Rejects Trump’s Order To Remove DEI From Schools

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that it will not comply with President Donald Trump’s order to keep Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) out of K-12 schools. 

MDE Commissioner Willie Jett called the Trump administration’s move to strip from noncompliant schools unlawful, arguing that Congress had not given the U.S. Department of Education (ED) such authority, according to the letter attached to the MDE’s press release. (RELATED: Trump Officially Orders Dismantling Of Department Of Education)

“MDE has long followed federal law in implementing federal programs. There is nothing unlawful in the principles underlying programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Indeed, ED has long supported these principles,” Jett said in the letter. 

In response to President Trump’s demand that K-12 schools sign certification against “DEI programs” to receive federal funding, Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner says he will NOT sign, as it would “unilaterally overrule the will of Congress.” pic.twitter.com/X1xQ5TQphW

— Education Minnesota (@EducationMN) April 8, 2025

He continued, “At their core, many federal education laws and programs are civil rights laws. These laws help ensure that every child has a right to an excellent education, regardless of circumstances outside of their control such as the zip code in which they live or their socio economic status.”

The ED sent letters to all states on April 3, informing them they had ten days to certify “compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the responsibilities outlined in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard,” according to an April 3 press release. The ED also sent letters in February warning schools that DEI violates Title VI and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act. Title VI prohibits race-based discrimination from programs receiving federal funding. (RELATED: Blue States Sue Trump Admin Over Education Department Cuts)

“Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right. When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements,” Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said.

Minnesota joins others in refusing to comply with the ED’s orders. 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson threatened to sue the U.S. Department of Education if it pulled federal funding from school districts that implement DEI. 

“We’re gonna sue,” Johnson told reporters Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune. “We’re not going to be intimidated by these threats. It’s just that simple. So whatever it is that this tyrant is trying to do to this city, we’re going to fight back.”

The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) also announced Friday it will continue to allow DEI practices in public schools. Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley sent a letter to the ED dated Friday, according to ABC7. “[T]here are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI,” he wrote.