Cincinnati Public Schools refuses to sign federal DEI letter

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools is among fewer than 15 Ohio school districts that did not return a federal letter regarding civil rights laws and DEI by the deadline.

The United States Department of Education sent the letter to local education agencies earlier in April, asking them to verify compliance with civil rights laws, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The deadline for submission was April 24.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reported that over a thousand districts signed and returned the certifications, while six submitted substitute documentation with edited language. CPS and Dayton City Schools were among those that did not submit the form at all.

The letter from the U.S. Department of Education emphasized that “no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

It also stated that “any violation of Title VI—including the use of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) programs to advantage one’s race over another—is impermissible.”

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The letter said schools continuing such practices could risk losing federal funding or face litigation for breach of contract by the Department of Justice. A CPS spokesperson confirmed the district’s awareness of its legal obligations under Title VI. CPS said it receives $50 to $55 million annually in federal funding, constituting 10 to 14% of its budget.

“The district’s policies, programs, and activities do not discriminate against students on the basis of race or any other protected characteristics.” said Dr. Kareem Moffett, CPS School Board President. “CPS did not sign the letter because the district’s policies and programs are supportive and welcoming to all students.”

Local 12 reached out to the public information office of the U.S. Department of Education to see what happens next for districts that did not sign the form, and we are waiting on a response back.

The Warren County Educational Service Center was the only other local agency that did not sign the form. The superintendent explained that they do not receive federal funds, so the letter was overlooked, but they planned to mail it in, stating no protest against it, as they do not have DEI programs.