23-04-2025
Metro Nashville Public Schools make changes to DEI program following Trump's executive order
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Metro Nashville Public Schools has removed references to diversity, equity and inclusion after an order from President Donald Trump. Those changes include a new job title for Metro's Executive Officer of DEI and scrubbing school district web pages.
Earlier this month, Trump put conditions on federal school funding. He demanded schools sign a certification against DEI or they would lose federal funding. Metro Nashville Public Schools confirmed it's making changes.
'As a district, we have taken proactive steps to review our initiatives to ensure they remain aligned with our mission while navigating the evolving landscape,' MNPS said in a statement to News 2.
RELATED: K-12 schools must sign certification against DEI to receive federal money, administration says
The U.S. Department of Education gave districts 10 days to certify they're following Trump's policy. Since then, MNPS' Office of DEI has been renamed the Office of Student Success and Opportunity.
MNPS claims that change had been in the works before any executive order.
'To that end, we have re-envisioned our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as the Office of Student Success and Opportunity — work that began prior to any Executive Order,' the statement added. 'This updated name more accurately reflects the core of our work: ensuring every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive — regardless of background or circumstance.'
MNPS has also removed a webpage focused on equity. The 'Equity Roadmap' is also no longer listed as a 'signature initiative.'
Still, some references to DEI remain, including at Werner Elementary. The website claims they strive to hire a diverse staff and include the motto: 'Diversity studies, equity is different from equal, [and] inclusion the desire to belong is a basic human need.'
Districts that don't comply could lose Title I funding, which supports schools in low-income areas.
'Under the Trump administration, every day brings more good news for America,' Trump said at CPAC. 'I've ended all of the so-called diversity equity and inclusion programs across the entire federal government and the private sector and notified every single government DEI officer that their job has been deleted. They're gone. They're fired. You're fired. Get out. You're fired.'
MNPS said they are consistent with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race or other characteristics.
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'We are reviewing and will continue to review our existing policies and practices with legal counsel to ensure we are meeting the needs of the students we serve while acting in accordance with new state laws or federal guidance that apply to the district and do not conflict with other legal requirements,' MNPS said.
The Tennessee Department of Education told News 2 that it supports all Tennessee schools and districts in implementing changes that are compliant with laws and federal policies. However, the department could not comment as to whether they have or have not received MNPS' certification.
'Our commitment to students remains steadfast — we will continue to advocate for what they need to succeed,' MNPS' statement reads, in part.
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