New York State Education Officials Reject Trump Administration’s Directive to Abolish DEI Programs

New York state education officials have strongly rejected the Trump administration’s demand to eliminate certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite threats to withhold funding.

In a letter to the Department of Education (DOE), Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy commissioner of the New York State Education Department, stated, “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion.’” However, Morton-Bentley emphasized, “There are no federal or state laws prohibiting the principles of D.E.I.”

Morton-Bentley further clarified that the DOE has no authority to revoke funding in this context, as there is no legal basis for such action. The dispute arose after the administration instructed education officials nationwide to remove DEI programs they consider discriminatory, warning that failure to comply could result in the loss of federal funds. In response, Morton-Bentley wrote, “The DOE is entitled to make whatever policy pronouncement it wants – but cannot conflate policy with law.”

Federal funds contribute about 6% to New York’s K-12 education budget, with New York City receiving $2.2 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. The DOE’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, argued that “federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” referencing the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on race-conscious admissions.

However, New York state officials, supported by Democratic lawmakers, have stood firm, maintaining that DEI programs are essential for addressing systemic inequities.