| Big Radio News |
Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction pushes back against the U.S. Department of Education.
Earlier this month, the federal agency told commissioners of state education agencies that they would risk losing federal funding if they fail to certify their compliance with antidiscrimination obligations under the Civil Rights Act.
The Trump administration claims that diversity, equity and inclusion programs are discriminatory.
In a letter signed by DPI general counsel Benjamin Jones, he says the state agency already certifies its compliance with federal law and that it’s unclear why additional certification is needed when there has been no change to the law.
Jones says at best, the Trump administration’s request appears to be redundant and at worst appears to be unauthorized, unlawful and unconstitutionally vague.
The letter goes on to say that DPI is “deeply concerned” that the federal government is threatening the loss of education funding in order to dictate local educational policies and decisions.
