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Jill Underly Pushes Back Against DEI Orders
Wisconsin’s state superintendent looks like she is ready to defy the president over his DEI in schools order.
Superintendent Jill Underly on Wednesday released a fiery statement, pushing back against a reminder message from the U.S. Department of Education about civil rights laws.
“Today, the U.S. Department of Education sent letters to State Commissioners overseeing K-12 State Education Agencies (SEAs) requiring them to certify their compliance with their anti-discrimination obligations in order to continue receiving federal financial assistance,” last week’s reminder message read. “Specifically, the Department requests certification of compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the responsibilities outlined in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.”
The Trump Administration has instructed all schools, both K-12 and universities, to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that treat people differently based on their race.
Underly said, until she gets more legal guidance, she will not comply with the department’s request.
“Given these concerns, the DPI has asked the USDE for clarification on both the intent and legality of the certification request. While it awaits a response, the DPI will not collect certifications from local education agencies and will not send the requested certification to the USDE,” a statement from DPI read.
Underly herself doubled-down.
“We cannot stand by while the current administration threatens our schools with unnecessary and potentially unlawful mandates based on political beliefs,” Underly added. “Our responsibility is to ensure Wisconsin students receive the best education possible, and that means allowing schools to make local decisions based on what is best for their kids and their communities.”
The Department of Education said that “federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” in its reminder message.
Which means the Trump Administration may withhold federal dollars from Wisconsin if Underly doesn’t comply, or end any DEI program in the state.
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