Judge blocks Trump plan to cut funding to public schools over diversity programs

FARGO (KVRR/AP) — A federal judge on Thursday blocked Trump administration directives that threatened to cut federal funding for public schools with diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, which accused the Republican administration of violating teachers’ due process and First Amendment rights.

In February, the U.S. Education Department told schools and colleges they needed to end any practice that differentiates people based on their race. Earlier this month, the department ordered states to gather signatures from local school systems certifying compliance with civil rights laws, including the rejection of what the federal government calls “illegal DEI practices.”

The directives do not carry the force of law but threaten to use civil rights enforcement to rid schools of DEI practices. Schools were warned that continuing such practices “in violation of federal law” could lead to U.S. Justice Department litigation and a termination of federal grants and contracts.

The Fargo School Board on Tuesday voted 7-2 to “sunset” philosophies recognizing students with disabilities and rights of LGBTQ+ students.

School district attorney Tara Brandner said not complying with Trump’s orders could put millions of dollars of federal funding on the line.

Last year the district received $15 million in federal grants and $4.5 million to fund meals.