NAACP Cleveland to award school boards defying Trump’s DEI ban
The NAACP in Cleveland, Ohio is taking a stand against the Trump administration’s push to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in schools. Meryl Johnson, the NAACP Cleveland education committee chair, recently announced that the organization will be giving “Guardian of Justice Awards” to school board members in Ohio who have defied the anti-DEI directives from the federal government.
During a Teach Truth Day of Action briefing, Johnson explained that some school board members in Ohio have refused to comply with what she called an “immoral suggestion” from the president to sign anti-DEI directives. These board members believe that putting students first is their priority, and they have stood up against the federal push to ban DEI practices in schools.
The NAACP will be hosting the Teach Truth Day of Action on June 7, along with the Zinn Education Project. The event will honor Ohio school board members who have refused to sign the anti-DEI pledge. Johnson showcased the Guardian of Justice award on a Zoom call, emphasizing the importance of standing up for democracy and protecting the rights of students.
Several school districts in Ohio have joined others across the country in signing a statement to the federal government, declaring that they will not comply with “illegal DEI practices.” By taking this stand, these districts are ensuring that they are not at risk of losing federal funding as a result of Trump’s executive orders prohibiting DEI in schools.
Attorney Mehek Cooke expressed her concern over Johnson’s statements, calling them a direct attack on children’s future. She highlighted the potential consequences of defying federal law, including the risk of losing essential funding for disadvantaged students and children with disabilities.
In January, Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, which prohibits the teaching of materials considered anti-American or promoting gender ideology and critical race theory. The order mandates that law enforcement investigate educational institutions suspected of promoting such content and criminally prosecute educators who assist in the social transition of minors.
Cooke stressed the importance of holding defiant districts accountable, emphasizing the need to prioritize academics over activism in schools. By stripping funding from districts that refuse to comply with federal directives, parents can be notified and efforts can be made to ensure that students receive a quality education that is free from divisive practices.
Overall, the NAACP’s decision to honor school board members who stand up for DEI practices sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. By recognizing those who prioritize the well-being of students, the organization is advocating for a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all.
