Chris Reykdal Superintendent | Washington Office Of Superintendent Of Public Instruction
The U.S. Department of Education issued a letter last week, requesting states to certify compliance with its interpretation of federal civil rights guidelines, threatening withdrawal of federal funding.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal addressed the issue by stating that this recent move is an "attack against the rights of states to have civil rights frameworks that exceed the federal minimum standards," and an attempt to erase "diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices" that have broadened opportunities for students. Despite the focus of the Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College case on race-conscious college admissions policies, the Department indicated that the ruling would be applied more broadly. This includes evaluations of DEI programs considered by the Department as "insidious" and discriminatory.
Reykdal affirmed that Washington already complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and questioned the Department's decision to demand re-certification during an active funding period, suggesting it as an unusual practice that may lack legal standing. According to Reykdal, public education's acknowledgment of diversity strengthens society by empowering marginalized groups and has improved educational outcomes such as graduation and college participation rates among underrepresented students.
Reykdal emphasized that Washington will not compromise its educational values or surrender control to the federal government. In his response to the Department, Reykdal confirmed that Washington had already met Title VI requirements and refused to sign further certifications, which he described as lacking authority and clarity, and as a potential infringement on state and local district autonomy.
Alerts Sign-up