State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement on Federal attempt to prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs
Friday, February 21, 2025
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| Chris Reykdal |
The letter claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are discriminatory and illegal. To that end, the letter states that the Department will begin, no later than February 28, assessing compliance with applicable laws and regulations based on the policy positions detailed in the letter––and institutions that are found to be “out of compliance” may face a loss of federal funding.
I want to be clear: Dear Colleague Letters do not hold the power of law. The letter even states, “This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.”
Further, Washington state law has prohibited discrimination or preferential treatment in public education to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin since 1998.
I’ve advised Washington’s school districts that they should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming in accordance with this letter. There are legal paths for the federal government to restrict federal funding, and a Dear Colleague Letter is not one of those paths.
My team at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is continuing to stay closely engaged with the Attorney General’s Office, and we are considering our legal options if any federal dollars are frozen or removed from Washington’s K–12 school system based on the letter.
While the words have unfortunately been weaponized, diversity, equity, and inclusion have long been core components of our educational system.
These principles are the reason we provide a high-quality public education to all young people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Public education is a civil right in our country, and that in itself is DEI. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Washington state, and we are not going backward.
--Washington state Superintendent of Public Education Chris Reykdal
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6 comments:
To die on the hill of DEI is foolish.
Superintendent Reykdal is committed to ensuring that all students receive the same mediocre standard of education: "In 2025, WalletHub released its ranking of the states with the best and worst school systems and continues to rank Washington as a high-spending state with weak schools. While Washington schools ranked 15th in government spending, they ranked 23rd in the overall school system".
Bravo, Superintendent Reykdal!
Thank you for standing up for our rights for our children.
Thank you for defending our kids' rights!!
This is just the distraction that the Superintendent needs to distract from the dreadful performance of schools on his watch. Orange man bad, WA school system good. Unless being able to read, write or do arithmetic is important to you. Which WA voters have indicated is a low priority.
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