Cincinnati public school leaders decline to sign US Dept. of Education anti-DEI letter
Decision could put district's federal funding streams in jeopardy
Decision could put district's federal funding streams in jeopardy
Decision could put district's federal funding streams in jeopardy
The lack of a signature on could spark a showdown between Cincinnati public school leaders and the Trump administration.
"Standing up for the principle of justice is costly," said Steve Sunderland, executive director of the Coalition for Health Justice. " And that's what we're realizing right now. And children see that very clearly."
Sunderland's work as a local health advocate has led him to support projects by a lot of CPS students, especially at Aiken High School.
During a community forum in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood last week, Sunderland learned that the U.S. Department of Education wants schools to certify that they're not using "illegal DEI practices," without defining exactly what DEI initiatives are included.
DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Without a signature, CPS could lose around $50 million worth of federal funding.
Faced with a looming deadline, CPS said in a statement, "Cincinnati Public Schools has not signed the 'Reminder of Legal Obligations' letter, issued by the U.S. Department of Education on April 3. Cincinnati Public Schools is well aware of its legal obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Ohio. Board President Dr. Kareem Moffett said, "Cincinnati Public Schools follows the law and will continue to follow the law. The District's policies, programs and activities do not discriminate against students on the basis of race or any other protected characteristics. CPS did not sign the letter because the District's policies and programs are supportive and welcoming to all students."
Sunderland is among those who support CPS, even though the district's decision could be costly.
"I felt really good about it. I really felt like they had taken a courageous stand," Sunderland said. "But as one student said to me yesterday at Aiken High School, it's a lose-lose situation."
바카라게임 온라인 바카라 게임 Five's Todd Dykes reached out to high profile GOP leaders for reaction to CPS' decision, including Russell Mock. He chairs Hamilton County's Republican Party. Mock told Dykes he was not available to comment on Thursday.
It's not clear what will happen next, now that CPS has declined to sign the anti-DEI certification letter.
A spokesperson for Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce reiterated to Dykes that "schools that fail to verify their compliance with federal law may jeopardize access to federal funding."