New York State Education Department responded to the Trump administration's threat of cutting federal funding over DEI practices by stating that it already complies with federal law and will not provide further certification. This move aligns with efforts by Democratic-led states to resist authoritarian pressures on educational funding.

On April 5, 2025, New York State Education Department officials sent a letter to the federal Education Department stating that they would not provide further certification to comply with the Trump administration's demands to end DEI practices, asserting that they already comply with Title VI and challenging the federal agency's authority to threaten funding.

The New York State Education Department announced its intent to confront the Trump administration's efforts to restrict DEI measures by affirming its longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In response to President Trump’s executive order aimed at curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education, Education Department staff from the new Office of Policy and Advocacy reassured parents that existing policies would remain unchanged. The officials emphasized adherence to established practices and values, thereby opposing federal pressure to eliminate protections for marginalized groups.

In response to Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI and gender policies in K-12 education, a spokesperson for the New York State Education Department emphasized that state and local control remains paramount. NYSED is reviewing the orders and reaffirming its commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students, thereby countering federal initiatives that could undermine established inclusive practices.

New York state school officials, led by Daniel Morton-Bentley, sent a letter to the federal Education Department affirming their compliance with Title VI and rejecting the Trump administration’s demand to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.