On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education released a significant “Dear Colleague” letter mandating all state education departments to take immediate action in relation to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Specifically, the directive requires these departments to eliminate any existing DEI initiatives within a strict deadline of 14 days. Failure to comply with this mandate could result in the loss of federal education funding.

The letter emphasizes that any form of racial differentiation, including the implementation of DEI programs, is deemed illegal under current Supreme Court precedent. It articulates the Department’s position that DEI initiatives frequently lead to discriminatory practices against students based on their race, which is not only ethically unacceptable but also legally impermissible.

In addition to these mandates, the letter instructs educational institutions nationwide to ensure their policies align with existing civil rights laws. It urges institutions to discontinue any programs or practices that may indirectly utilize race as a factor in decision-making processes, whether in admissions, hiring, or resource allocation.

The Department of Education warns that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in the withdrawal of federal financial assistance, underscoring the seriousness of the directive and the potential impacts on public education funding. This letter marks a decisive step in the ongoing national dialogue regarding race, equity, and education in the United States.

You can read the letter here.

Previously, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen called on the presidents of Arizona’s three public universities—Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University—to comply with President Trump’s Executive Order on January 20 to end DEI.

In his letter dated February 10, 2025, Petersen emphasized the potential loss of federal funding if Arizona educational groups fail to dismantle their DEI programs, writing, “DEI is discrimination, plain and simple.” He urged university leaders to act swiftly to align with the new federal requirements.

As the 14-day deadline approaches, Arizona’s educational institutions face the challenge of navigating these federal directives while considering the diverse needs of their student populations. The outcome of this mandate will likely have lasting implications for the state’s approach to diversity and inclusion in education.

On December 10, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne discussed the implications of closing the Department of Education. He replied, “The first thing that would happen is that I would throw a party.” He continued, “We can do the job a lot better.” He clarified that closing the Department would not mean cutting off funding, as that comes from Congress. Horne also expressed that he is fully prepared to take on a leadership role.

Pam Kirby, Board President of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members, told the Arizona Globe that she has been in touch with her members to provide guidance. She stated, “The Dear Colleague letter promotes academic achievement in Arizona K-12 public schools by emphasizing high standards and merit, ensuring students succeed through hard work and ability rather than race-based policies or DEI programs.”

The Globe also contacted Superintendent Horne and Maricopa Superintendent of Instruction Shelli Boggs for information about the guidance they may provide to school districts. As of the time of posting, neither has responded to our request.