State schools chief pushes back on federal DEI directives

Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has made clear he has no intention of changing course based on one of the new directives from the Trump Administration. Earlier this month, the Department of Education issued a so-called Dear Colleague letter, which stated that any institutions receiving federal funds from that Department would be required to eliminate all race-based programs – including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs – or risk losing federal funds.  Washington’s K-12 schools receive 7 percent of their funding from the Department of Education. Reykdal responded with his own letter last week, stating in part that he has: “Advised Washington’s school districts that they should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming in accordance with this letter.” Guest: Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal Relevant Links: KUOW: 'We are not going backward.' Washington schools chief tells districts to maintain DEI programs despite Trump threat Seattle Times: WA superintendent tells schools to stand firm on ‘race-based’ programs  Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.