ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota schools are facing a tough situation regarding education standards.
Recently, the Trump administration sent a strong message to educators: eliminate anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). If schools don’t comply, they risk losing funding.
Schools must act quickly, as they have until the end of the month. However, this demand might clash with Minnesota’s own education standards. For instance, ethnic studies classes—which help students see themselves reflected in what they learn—are now required in the state by August 2026.
Yao Buchl, a 17-year-old student at Highland Park High School, is part of Minnesota’s inaugural ethnic studies class. She finds it enlightening. “For the first time in my education, I learned about someone who looked like me,” she shared.
Amid this shift, some parents worry about how these classes will be taught. Karin Miller, a homeschooling mom, voices her concerns about the potential influence of critical race theory, which she believes might lead to racial discrimination.
On the other hand, many educators and students defend these classes, highlighting their role in understanding American history. Buchl says they don’t foster division but encourage students to find their place in the world. “Ethnic studies give us a voice,” she insists.
As K-12 schools navigate these changes, universities in Minnesota are already feeling the impact. The federal Department of Education recently ended a $6.8 million grant meant for developing teachers, claiming it was DEI-related. University officials are contesting this decision, stating the grant was meant to support all aspiring teachers, regardless of background.
The University of Minnesota’s president has asserted that the school will not backtrack on its DEI efforts. Meanwhile, the Department of Education has opened a complaint line for reporting issues related to this new guidance.
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