Tensions are escalating.
Liberal officials in New York are standing their ground against the Trump administration’s push to end controversial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs — even if it means losing critical federal funding.
Trump Administration Demands Accountability for Federal Education Funds
In a bold move to restore fairness and integrity in America’s classrooms, the Trump administration has issued a nationwide order: public K-12 schools must certify they are not violating federal civil rights laws through discriminatory DEI programs—or risk losing access to federal funding.
The Department of Education, under President Trump’s leadership, has given states just 10 days to comply.
“Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” said Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. He emphasized that many schools are misusing DEI initiatives to promote political agendas and discriminate against certain student groups.
New York State Refuses to Comply
Despite the directive, New York’s education officials are refusing to cooperate. Daniel Morton-Bentley, a top legal official at the New York State Education Department, claimed in a letter that the federal government lacks the legal authority to impose such requirements.
“There are no federal or state laws prohibiting the principles of DEI,” he argued, dismissing the administration’s demand as overreach.
He also claimed New York had already certified compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and would not be submitting any further certification.
Billions in Title I Education Funds at Stake
At the heart of the battle is Title I funding, which provides billions of dollars each year to schools in low-income communities. New York relies on this federal money to support struggling districts — and the Trump administration has made it clear: schools that use DEI to discriminate won’t receive taxpayer support.
“You don’t get to take federal dollars and push a radical agenda,” said a senior official close to the matter. “It’s time to put students and equal opportunity first.”
DEI: Inclusion or Division?
While left-leaning states defend DEI as a tool for equity, many parents and education watchdogs argue it promotes division, guilt, and reverse discrimination. Under President Trump, the federal government is working to restore balance and ensure civil rights are applied equally to all Americans—regardless of race or background.
Same Pattern: New York Defies Trump on Tolls, Too
This isn’t the first time New York has resisted the Trump administration’s agenda. State leaders are also refusing to shut down a congestion toll plan in Manhattan, which critics say unfairly targets working-class Americans who rely on cars to commute.
The growing standoff between liberal-run states and the Trump White House is becoming a defining feature of the new administration’s effort to return power to the people—and remove bureaucratic overreach from schools and transportation.
What’s Next for Parents and Taxpayers?
As the battle over DEI and education funding continues, parents, educators, and taxpayers are left wondering: will New York back down, or will they risk the education dollars that fund classrooms in their own communities?
Stay tuned as President Trump continues to fight for parental rights, transparency, and real equality in public education.