Ryan Walters Superintendent | Oklahoma Department of Education
Today, Ryan Walters, the State Superintendent of Oklahoma, declared that the Oklahoma State Department of Education will start withholding federal education funds from April 25 for school districts not signing the federal Title VI assurance. This requirement by the U.S. Department of Education ensures that schools avoid engaging in discriminatory practices under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework.
"Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary McMahon, we’ve set a national standard that protects our children from discriminatory practices under the guise of DEI," stated Walters. Adding further, he said, "Oklahoma is proud to stand firm in our commitment to merit-based education and the values that have made America exceptional."
On April 11, 2025, Walters signed the Title VI assurance and shared the event on X to express the state's dedication to these principles. Starting April 25, any school district not adhering to this federal mandate will have their federal reimbursement payments withheld.
The Title VI assurance, instated during the Trump Administration, is aimed at ensuring no student is denied educational opportunities based on race. It also seeks to prevent schools from deploying DEI structures that favor one group at the expense of another.
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