On April 10, 2025, the Puerto Rico Department of Education became the first to certify compliance with President Trump’s executive order banning DEI policies in schools, drawing praise from Education Secretary Linda McMahon. This certification aligns the agency with measures that critics argue erode critical diversity, equity, and inclusion safeguards, impacting protections for marginalized communities.

The Puerto Rico Department of Education became the first to submit its certification attesting compliance with federal civil rights laws, in response to a Trump administration directive that threatens to cut funding for schools not meeting its DEI requirements. This move contrasts with resistance from other Democratic-led states and cities, raising concerns about aligning with authoritarian mandates.

Following progressive reforms under the Biden administration, plans by the newly elected Republican governor and returning education secretary to reverse the decentralization pilot in Ponce raise concerns about increased political interference and reduced local autonomy in the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

On May 22, 2023, the Puerto Rican government announced the Initiative for Decentralization of Education and Autonomy of Regions (IDEAR), a comprehensive plan to decentralize the management of the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The plan involves community listening sessions, expert workshops, and the involvement of the U.S. Department of Education’s PRES team to enhance local responsiveness and accountability in educational governance.