DEI AND CCA

In Executive Order 14242 of March 20, 2025, the Trump administration denounced the Department of Education, saying that it was failing students, teachers, and families. The title of the order and various parts of the text suggest that part of the reason for a recent slump in student success comes from excessive and wasteful power of the federal government—in the form of the Department of Education. Arriving at this conclusion, the order says that the powers of the department must be returned to the individual states. The order also says, “the Secretary of Education shall ensure that the allocation of any Federal Department of Education funds is subject to rigorous compliance with Federal law and Administration policy, including the requirement that any program or activity receiving Federal assistance terminate illegal discrimination obscured under the label ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’” (Executive Order No. 14242, 2025). This means that any federally funded school that has a DEI-related program will not be receiving any more government money unless they end those programs. 

GRAPHIC REPRESENTING EXECUTIVE ORDER 14242; GRAPHIC BY BENJAMIN BRENNER

A “Reminder of Legal Obligations” was issued by the administration, which effectively requires K-12 schools promise to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in order to continue receiving federal funding. The documentation that CCA signed says, “any violation of Title VI—including the use of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (“DEI”) programs to advantage one’s race over another—is impermissible. The use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law. The continued use of illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences…” (UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION Reminder of Legal Obligations). The document does not explicitly explain its stance that DEI advantages any race over any other, nor what practices are considered DEI programs. 

In Clear Creek Amana, this reminder has been signed. In the district budget for 2025-2026, federal funding is included. The interim superintendent, Dr. Denise Schares, says, “Our priority remains serving all students while staying in full compliance with state and federal requirements. We rely on guidance from the Iowa Department of Education and our legal counsel to ensure we’re acting in a responsible and transparent manner.” The documentation for government funding has been submitted.

The executive order causing all this was temporarily blocked on Thursday, April 24 by a federal judge in New Hampshire. 19 states are suing the administration over the order.

Sources:

“Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” The White House, 20 Mar. 2025.

“UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION Reminder of Legal Obligations.” United States Department of Education, 3 Apr. 2025.