(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Education will not comply with a White House demand to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
A letter sent by Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett says the U.S. Department of Education hasn’t explained which DEI programs are problematic. He questions the department’s authority to issue the request.
Jett also says threats to pull federal funding from schools would be illegal since they are directed by Congress. The letter states and clarifies that Minnesota’s programs already abide by federal law, including Title IX.
Last week, the Department of Education sent letters to state leaders, requiring them to agree to new “antidiscrimination obligations in order to continue receiving federal financial assistance.”
The statement warned funds to states are a privilege, not a right. Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor wrote, “Unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI.”
The letter gave state leaders 10 days to sign off on the request. Jett was the St. Cloud Area School District superintendent before becoming education commissioner.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
