On April 3, the new Department of Education (USDE), claiming to stand for equity in education, sent every state a letter stating that so-called “illegal DEI” had to end. Of course, one may wonder what is illegal about guaranteeing diversity, equality, and inclusion in anything. The USDE letter was nothing more than a cover for the new racism of the new regime.
On April 17, New Jersey replied that in its mission to provide a quality education to all it can certify that it complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and is unaware of any changes in law or regulations that requires additional certifications. Moreover, there are no known federal laws prohibiting diversity, equality, or inclusion, and that demands for such by USDE have been enjoined by federal courts.
Eliminating DEI goes hand in hand with the rest of the racist agenda of the new regime. Several weeks ago the New York Times carried an op-ed piece warning us of what we should expect: not just a new racism but a return to a time when equality was only a dream. What can be done to one group can be done to others.
Prayer for the Day
Give us grace, we pray, to be like a true Nation,
People of faith healing each other’s hurts and bearing each other’s pain;
Give us imagination, we pray, to look beyond the limits
We often set for ourselves, thinking nothing can help,
Give us strength, we pray, to live each day with courage and hope,
Moving into your future with the promise of a true community
In the name of the One who calls us to respect all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of high organizational performance.
Betsy DeVovs, US Secretary for Education (2020)
[A]lthough the government emphasized . . . that the Certification Provision implicates only illegal DEI programs, it has studiously declined to shed any light on what this means. The answer is anything but obvious.
Chicago Women in Trades v. Trump (N.D. Ill. March 27, 2025)
Now, therefore, O kings be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss the feet of the Lord,
Or the Lord will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
For the wrath of the Lord is quickly kindled. Happy are those who take refuge in God.
Psalm 2: 10-22