State officials say they don’t believe US Department of Education has authority to demand end to DEI practices

Summary

New York officials told the Trump administration they will not comply with its order to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools, rejecting threats to cut federal funding.

In a letter, state education counsel Daniel Morton-Bentley said the U.S. Department of Education lacks authority to mandate such changes or withhold funds without due process.

The administration demanded schools certify compliance with federal civil rights laws within 10 days.

Critics say the order contradicts Trump’s promise to return control to states.