Education Department Warns Schools: Federal Funding at Risk for Considering Race in Student Life Decisions | CNN Politics

According to a recent announcement from the Department of Education, any school that considers race in student-related decisions could lose federal funding. This warning came in a letter issued on Friday.

The letter affects all types of educational institutions, from preschools to universities, as well as state education agencies that receive federal aid. It is a strong response following a Supreme Court ruling this year that changed the landscape of affirmative action and could lead to legal battles.

Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, emphasized that federal law now prohibits schools and colleges from using race when making decisions about admissions, hiring, financial aid, and other aspects of student life. This ruling marks a significant shift, as it overturns decades of policies that aimed to support Black and Latino students.

The Supreme Court’s decision in the case against Harvard was a close 6-3, and it has sparked a lot of debate. Former President Donald Trump praised the ruling as beneficial for the country.

Trainor noted that the Supreme Court’s verdict applies beyond admissions. Schools that treat a student differently because of their race are breaking the law.

This new interpretation may challenge various school programs, literature, and even scholarships aimed at non-White students. Concerns are rising about how this affects student organizations, such as Black fraternities and sororities.

The letter clearly stated that any decision-making involving race is not allowed. For instance, schools can’t assess students through their personal essays or activities with the intent of determining their race.

The Department of Education plans to evaluate compliance by February 28, looking at how schools understand and implement these new guidelines.

The letter also critiqued diversity and inclusion programs—often called DEI. It claims that these programs can give preference to specific racial groups and imply moral responsibilities linked to race.

This letter coincides with Trump’s ongoing efforts against DEI initiatives, which began shortly after he took office. He signed an executive order to restrict DEI factors in federal hiring. Recently, many employees in the Education Department were placed on leave, part of a broader strategy to eliminate DEI-related positions.

Furthermore, discussions are underway about potentially eliminating the Department of Education entirely—a promise Trump made during his campaign. He has often labeled the department as an example of government overreach and linked it to cultural controversies.

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