Oregon's Democratic governor says the state will ignore President Donald Trump's executive order and end the implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
Trump has included a ban on DEI in the gust of the executive order he signed after he took office. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (D) said the state I won't follow I ordered it during a media briefing with the state's education director on Thursday.
“We celebrate differences and humanity in general.”
“Since the launch of a new federal administration, I have promised the Oregonians that we will not step back from the fight when it comes to protecting Oregon's values,” the governor said. “Ensuring that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their future promises in strong public education is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of the government and one of my top priorities as governor.”
The U.S. Department of Education has given the state a Sunday deadline to end its support for DEI policies in education or face a suspension of federal funds.
Oregon Education Director Charlene Williams responded to the threat in a letter denying policy changes.
“Oregon continues to implement education programs in accordance with state and federal laws,” Williams said in a letter. “Oregon continues to be a fierce commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate differences and common humanity. Our moral and ethical obligation is to stand up to public education.”
She linked some procedural issues she had with the orders that justified non-compliance.
“There's no situation where it's okay to use children's resources as a political tool,” she added.
kotek I said She ordered the Department of Education to “hold the line” against Trump's orders.
Some school districts submitted Litigation against the president's DEI ban claiming that the directive is vague and is an unconstitutional reading of law.
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