Illinois Education Superintendent Tony Sanders has directly refuted the U.S. federal government's demand for state education authorities to certify the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, challenging the federal government to provide evidence supporting its claims.

In a letter released last Wednesday, Superintendent Sanders requested the federal Department of Education to specifically identify which programs and activities violate federal civil rights laws and to pinpoint "illegal DEI" activities.

Previously, the federal Department of Education ordered state education agencies to certify within 10 days that their respective school districts do not engage in any practices that unlawfully promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The federal department argues that these DEI programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funding. 

The federal government has threatened to cut federal education funding to states that fail to comply. In Illinois's case, this could result in the loss of approximately $6.4 billion in federal funds.

Superintendent Sanders stated in his letter that he is "concerned by the U.S. Department of Education's apparent attempt to alter the terms and conditions of the Illinois State Board of Education's grant awards without undertaking formal administrative procedures."

He also emphasized that the Illinois State Board of Education already complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and has regularly submitted applications confirming adherence to all necessary assurances for federal programs, all of which have been approved by the federal Department of Education.

Furthermore, Superintendent Sanders pointed out that the federal government's current stance reflects a "sudden shift" from existing policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, referencing past remarks by Betsy DeVos, who served as the first Secretary of Education under the Trump administration. He added that Secretary DeVos had previously stated that "embracing diversity and inclusion is a key element of success in building strong teams."

The federal Department of Education has reportedly demanded that state education boards report on each district's implementation status, issues of non-compliance, and proposed enforcement plans. In response, Superintendent Sanders requested the federal Department of Education to present its "legal authority for requiring the state education agency to obtain individual certifications from each local education agency, report on the status of signatures, and propose an enforcement plan for U.S. Department of Education approval regarding certification requests of this nature."

This is not the first time Superintendent Sanders has pushed back against the federal Department of Education's threat of funding cuts. In February, he directed school districts to continue teaching Black, Asian American, and LGBTQ history in accordance with state law and to provide education to all students regardless of their citizenship status.

Meanwhile, New York and Pennsylvania have also challenged the Trump administration's pressure to end DEI initiatives. In contrast, Indiana announced on Wednesday that it would comply with the federal directive and collect signed forms from its schools and educational agencies certifying that they do not use or promote DEI.

What is a DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Program?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are values and related policies and efforts aimed at respecting the diverse backgrounds and characteristics of community members, providing fair opportunities, and ensuring that all members can participate in the community without feeling excluded. In the field of education, it aims to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of students (including race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, etc.), provide all students with fair educational opportunities, and create an environment where they can participate in educational activities without discrimination.

Background to the DEI Debate in the United States

Recently, a heated debate has arisen in the United States regarding the effectiveness and necessity of DEI programs. Supporters argue that DEI is essential for resolving social inequality, promoting diversity, and providing fair opportunities for all members of society. Conversely, critics argue that DEI can lead to reverse discrimination, emphasize background rather than individual ability, and potentially deepen social divisions. In particular, the Trump administration argues that DEI programs can promote "illegal discrimination" and has taken a strong stance to abolish them.

Illinois Superintendent Sanders' strong opposition suggests a potential escalation of conflict between federal and state governments over education policy, and the debate surrounding DEI programs is expected to intensify further in the future.