In a bold move during a board meeting, Colorado’s Department of Education Commissioner Susana Córdova announced that the state would not sign a letter from the federal government certifying compliance with the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The letter, dated April 3, asked state departments of education to sign a reminder of legal obligations related to federal financial assistance. Commissioner Córdova cited concerns about the process and legality of the request, stating that it did not have the force of law. She also expressed discomfort in signing a certification that binds the state to federal guidance that is not legally mandatory.
While Commissioner Córdova defended her decision, Colorado Department of Education Board Member Steve Durham disagreed, suggesting that the refusal to sign was politically motivated and expressed concerns about the potential misuse of DEI practices. Amidst this debate, parents like Tracy Hanson, whose child relies on a federal document for their education, expressed worries about the impact of potential funding withholding.
With an estimated $870,229,410 in federal funding at stake for the 2024-2025 school year, the outcome of this disagreement could have significant implications for Colorado’s K-12 education system. As discussions continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to see how it will ultimately affect the state’s educational landscape. The tension between federal guidelines and state autonomy underscores the complexities of navigating DEI initiatives in the education sector.
