Trump Administration Orders States to Certify DEI Ban

The Trump administration has mandated that states certify the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions to receive federal funding, referencing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Nebraska's Department of Education announced it would comply to avoid disruptions in funding, encouraging local districts to follow suit, while Maine and Nevada declined or sought clarification due to legal ambiguities. President Trump plans to sign an executive order preventing higher education accreditors from penalizing colleges over DEI policies. A recent court ruling in New Hampshire determined that the federal directive exceeded executive authority and lacked clear definitions. States remain divided over the directive, reflecting broader legal and political disputes about DEI practices in education. These developments signal ongoing national debate about the legal boundaries and future of DEI initiatives in American education.