Educators Challenge Federal Anti-DEI Guidance in Court

A lawsuit filed by teacher unions and academic groups argues that the Department of Education's new directive misinterprets the law and infringes on free speech rights.

The U.S. Department of Education issued a 'Dear Colleague' letter on February 14, mandating the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in schools and threatening federal funding cuts for noncompliance.
The letter cites the 2023 Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions but extends its interpretation to areas such as hiring, discipline, and curriculum, which critics argue oversteps legal precedent.
Teacher unions and academic organizations filed a lawsuit on February 25, claiming the guidance is vague, unconstitutional, and misrepresents existing civil rights law.
The lawsuit alleges the directive undermines educators' free speech and academic freedom by restricting discussions about race and structural racism in classrooms.
Some states and institutions have responded with resistance or compliance, with actions ranging from maintaining DEI-related initiatives to removing references to DEI from public materials.