‘Back to Fight Back’: New York dismisses Trump’s danger to cut school funds on DI order

The New York State Education Department dismissed the demands from the Trump administration from the Trump administration to abolish diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative in public schools, arguing that there is no legal basis for such orders.
The state’s response came after a federal memorandum, as the important title I were threatened with withdrawal of funding-for high-number of students with a low-income students, which are in large numbers than districts that do not comply. The administration had demanded that the schools present the compliance form signed within 10 days, certifying that the DEI programs were discontinued, violating the civil rights laws claiming these initiatives.
In a letter sent on Friday, Daniel Morton-Bentley, Deputy Commissioner for legal matters in New York State Education Department, pushed back: “We understand that the current administration wants to censor anything, which censors the diversity, equity and inclusion ‘.” He continued, “But as quoted by the New York Times, there are no federal or state laws restricting Dai’s principles.”
Morton-Bentley also questioned the legal foundation demanding the administration, stating that the federal government had failed to specify that DEI practices have allegedly violated civil rights. He criticized the explanation of the administration of the 2023 Supreme Court, which reduced positive action in college entry, indicating that the ruling K-12 does not apply to education.
The letter warned the federal officials not to confuse the political agenda with the legal mandate, stating that “you have assigned it,” it’s not that you have assigned it. “This concluded with a message:” No other certification will be upcoming. “
The New York stand is contrary to the more cautious response seen from many universities, many of which have removed the DEI content or canceled the related events under federal pressure. The state, however, appears to be determined to maintain its commitment to equity and inclusion.
Morton-Bentley also noted that the Trump administration’s position represents the “sudden change”, referring to former Education Secretary Bitsci Davos, who earlier stated that “diversity and inclusion are corner of high organizational performance” and “major elements for success.” He said, “This is a sudden innings,” and explained that the administration did not provide any explanation for “how and why the situation changed the situation.”
Somewhere else, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed the resistance of New York, saying that the city would take legal action if federal money is stopped. “We are not going to be afraid of these dangers,” Johnson told reporters. “This is just so easy. So whatever is trying to do this tyranny in this city, we are going to fight back.”
Public school districts can also have more routes than universities to oppose such federal pressure, as about 90 percent of their financing usually comes from state and local sources.