Red state school district slapped with complaint to Trump admin alleging unlawful DEI practices

A pro-Trump legal nonprofit has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against the Upper Arlington School District in Columbus, Ohio, alleging that the district is promoting an “unlawful” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda that violates federal anti-discrimination laws. The complaint from America First Legal claims that the district began implementing DEI policies in 2020 in response to Black Lives Matter protests, including the creation of new positions like Chief Talent Officer and Chief Excellence and Engagement Officer to promote diversity and inclusion within the school staff.

According to the complaint, the district continued to advocate for DEI initiatives in the following years, with a district report stating the need for a clear vision for DEI initiatives and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ students. The complaint also references a “Comprehensive Equity Report” that allegedly contains discriminatory and illegal recommendations. America First Legal argues that these DEI practices do not align with current Education Department rules and guidelines, potentially putting federal funding to the school at risk.

Jacob Meckler, Legal Counsel for America First Legal, emphasized the importance of investigating schools that discriminate based on race and sex and embed divisive ideologies into their curriculum. He called on the Department of Education to investigate the Upper Arlington School District and potentially terminate federal funding if necessary.

The Upper Arlington School District has faced previous criticism over its DEI practices, with a video surfacing in 2023 showing district officials discussing ways to push critical race theory covertly. Superintendent Hunt responded to the recent complaint, stating that the district takes concerns of discrimination seriously and remains committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for all students.

The Department of Education has not confirmed the complaint, but issued a letter earlier this year warning public schools to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion policies or risk losing federal funding. The letter emphasized that racial discrimination in educational institutions will no longer be tolerated.

As the investigation unfolds, the Upper Arlington School District will cooperate fully and continue to uphold its mission of supporting every student and providing a quality education. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

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