New York state will continue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools, despite threats from the Trump administration to cut federal funding. State officials say the federal government has no authority to demand the end of DEI.

On Friday, Daniel Morton-Bentley, deputy commissioner and counsel for New York’s Education Department, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education rejecting the demand.

“We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion,’” he wrote, according to CNN. “But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.”

The Trump administration had ordered schools across the country to confirm within 10 days that they do not run DEI programs it considers discriminatory. The administration tied this certification to continued access to federal funds, including Title I money that supports schools in low-income areas. Federal funds make up about 6% of New York’s K-12 education budget.

Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, stated that federal aid is a privilege and accused schools of using DEI to favor some groups over others. He sent school officials a memo detailing legal obligations tied to civil rights laws.

Morton-Bentley responded that New York has already certified compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, most recently in January. He rejected the administration’s legal reasoning and said no additional certification would be provided.

He also pointed out that the administration’s current position sharply contrasts with earlier Trump-era support for diversity and inclusion in education, referencing remarks made in 2020 by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

This isn’t the first time New York has refused a federal demand. The state also pushed back against an order to cancel a congestion pricing plan in New York City.

Originally published on blacknews.com