Latest news with #NewYorkStateEducationDepartment
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump backs Long Island school district fighting to keep ‘Chiefs' mascot
NEW YORK - The Massapequa School District on Long Island is now receiving support from President Donald Trump in its ongoing fight to keep its "Chiefs" mascot, despite a New York State Education Department ban on Native American-inspired names and logos. What we know President Trump posted on Truth Social, calling on the U.S. Secretary of Education to "fight for the people of Massapequa," calling the idea of changing the school's mascot "ridiculous." The controversy stems from a 2022 mandate by the New York State Education Department that all public schools retire Native American mascots or risk losing state funding. Four Long Island school districts, including Massapequa, filed a lawsuit challenging the order, but a federal judge dismissed the case. Now, district leaders are hoping Trump's national spotlight on the issue will help them keep the name. What they're saying The Massapequa School District's "Chiefs" mascot has long been part of the community's identity. Supporters of the name say it is a symbol of tradition and local pride. "It's been embedded in our community and our town for so long," said one resident. "I don't feel it's a disgrace—if anything, we're honoring them," said another. A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department responded to the district's continued pushback, saying, "If members of the Massapequa Board of Ed want to honor and respect Long Island Native American past, they should talk to the Indigenous people who remain on Long Island." Harry Wallace, Chief of the Unkechaug Indian Nation, issued a statement calling such mascots a form of "racist symbolism." Germain Smith, a former Shinnecock tribal councilman, echoed that sentiment in an interview. "We're not a symbol, we're not history. We exist today," said Smith. "And to some Native children, it's hurtful to see those mascots, and you wouldn't understand that necessarily unless you grew up in a Native community." What's next The Massapequa School District released a statement saying they are "honored" to receive recognition from President Trump but are not commenting on what steps they plan to take next.
Wall Street Journal
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Albany's Sleight of Hand on School Attendance
In 'Albany Doesn't Overlook Chronic Absenteeism' (Letters, March 26), JP O'Hare defends the New York State Education Department's decision to shift from a narrow focus on chronic absenteeism to a broader measure that includes the attendance of all students. While the education department is still publishing chronic absenteeism metrics, it has removed that measure from its Every Student Succeeds Act plan, which assesses school quality. This signals to school districts across the state that they don't have to focus on reducing chronic absenteeism if their overall attendance is acceptable.
Washington Post
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
N.Y. tells Trump administration it won't comply with anti-DEI school order
The New York State Education Department has notified the federal government it won't comply with orders to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs — pushing back against the Trump administration's efforts to pressure public schools around the country by threatening to withdraw federal funding. Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy commissioner for legal affairs for the State Education Department, wrote in a letter dated Friday that, based on its interpretation of court rulings, the agency is 'unaware of any authority' the federal government has to demand that states eliminate DEI programs or to rescind federal funding if they do not comply. 'We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems 'diversity, equity & inclusion' (DEI). But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI,' Morton-Bentley wrote in the letter, which was addressed to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Sunday. The federal government provides about 10 percent of K-12 funding nationally. In New York, schools are mostly funded by local tax revenue and state funds, but the federal government contributes even less assistance: For example, in the 2024-2025 school year, about 5 percent of New York City Public Schools' $40 billion budget came from federal funds. The Trump administration has also targeted higher education institutions over DEI and allegations that they are not doing enough to combat antisemitism on their campuses. Columbia University in New York City recently agreed to implement new security and internal oversight measures and review its admissions and disciplinary practices after the Trump administration cut access to $400 million in federal contracts and grants to the university. Many universities have tried to insulate themselves from similar cuts by not vocally criticizing the administration and by pledging to review their programs for any unintended discriminatory practices — prompting critics to accuse them of failing to defend academic freedom. But K-12 schools had — until recently — received less scrutiny from the Trump administration. The U.S. Education Department asked state commissioners overseeing K-12 agencies on Thursday to 'certify their compliance with their antidiscrimination obligations' in order to continue receiving federal funding — including by confirming that they do not use DEI programs 'to advantage one's race over another.' That letter cited several state and federal laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act — which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, in programs receiving federal funds — and a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-based affirmative action in college admissions but did not address the practice in K-12 schools. In a statement accompanying the letter, acting assistant secretary for civil rights Craig Trainor said federal education funding is 'a privilege, not a right.' Trainor said that DEI programs are a form of discrimination 'against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI' and that the letter to state education commissioners was meant to ensure 'states understand — and comply with — their existing obligations under civil rights laws' and the Supreme Court case Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. The Trump administration has made claims about the effects of the court's ruling in that case that go beyond what many legal experts say it supports. In one case, the administration said the ruling prohibits any effort to increase diversity in a school's student body, even through what are known as race-neutral actions, such as increasing financial aid for low-income students. The administration has made clear that, under its reading of civil rights law and Supreme Court precedent, it is illegal to consider race in any way, including efforts aimed at helping students of color close persistent education gaps and feel included in schools, along with other DEI work. Its interpretation differs sharply from the Biden administration's directives. It's unclear whether the Supreme Court's decision in the admissions case reaches as far as the Trump administration argues. In his response to the U.S. Education Department, Morton-Bentley said the Supreme Court ruling in Students v. Harvard 'does not have the totemic significance that you have assigned to it.' 'This case prohibits consideration of race in college admissions. USDOE is entitled to make whatever policy pronouncements it wants — but cannot conflate policy with law,' he wrote. Morton-Bentley said the New York State Education Department had already certified its compliance with Title VI and had previously informed its local education agencies of their compliance requirements, adding that 'no further certification will be forthcoming.' The New York State Education Department sets the state's education policy and oversees all New York public schools, including in New York City, which is the largest district in the United States. Morton-Bentley added in his letter that the federal guidance had radically shifted since President Donald Trump's first term. He noted that in 2020, Secretary Betsy DeVos told Education Department employees 'that '[d]iversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of high organizational performance'' and 'that 'embracing diversity and inclusion are key elements for success' for 'building strong teams.'' 'USDOE has provided no explanation for how and why it changed positions,' he wrote.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New York prepares to battle Trump's DEI funding threats in fight over schools
The New York State Education Department has announced that it will battle the Trump administration over efforts to cut off funding for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in order to gain access to other federal funding measures for classrooms. The Trump administration is slashing millions of dollars in DEI grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of its overall Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) push to rid the government of waste, fraud and abuse. "The New York State Education Department has consistently certified, on multiple occasions, that it does and will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964," New York Education Department spokesperson JP O'Hare told Fox News Digital in a statement. Trump Administration Asks Scotus To Approve Dei-related Education Cuts "Given the fact that USDOE is already in possession of the guarantees by NYSED, no further certification will be forthcoming," O'Hare continued. "The Board of Regents and State Education Department continue to work with New York's schools to increase equity, access, and opportunities in education for all New York State students." The New York Times on Friday quoted Daniel Morton-Bentley, the deputy commissioner for legal affairs at the New York State Education Department, as saying in a letter, "We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems 'diversity, equity & inclusion.'" Read On The Fox News App The letter continued, "But there are no federal or state laws prohibiting the principles of D.E.I." The Times noted the "defiant response" by New York as a contrast to how other states were handling the issue. The Trump administration issued a notice on Thursday demanding compliance from school systems across the country to obey federal civil rights law, including Title VI and a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action issued in 2023, according to The Gothamist. Department Of Education Significantly Dismantled In New Trump Executive Order The New York Education Department's announcement that it has been and already is in compliance with the law, despite the Trump administration's demands, comes amid a tumultuous time for schools as the federal education department threatens to withdraw funding from universities. Brown University has had over $500 million in federal funding halted over its response to anti-Israel protests on campus by the Trump administration. The Trump administration also punished Columbia University for its response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus, restricting over $400 million in funds. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Original article source: New York prepares to battle Trump's DEI funding threats in fight over schools
Fox News
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
New York prepares to battle Trump's DEI funding threats in fight over schools
The New York State Education Department has announced that it will battle the Trump administration over efforts to cut off funding for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in order to gain access to other federal funding measures for classrooms. The Trump administration is slashing millions of dollars in DEI grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of its overall Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) push to rid the government of waste, fraud and abuse. "The New York State Education Department has consistently certified, on multiple occasions, that it does and will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964," New York Education Department spokesperson JP O'Hare told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Given the fact that USDOE is already in possession of the guarantees by NYSED, no further certification will be forthcoming," O'Hare continued. "The Board of Regents and State Education Department continue to work with New York's schools to increase equity, access, and opportunities in education for all New York State students." The New York Times on Friday quoted Daniel Morton-Bentley, the deputy commissioner for legal affairs at the New York State Education Department, as saying in a letter, "We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems 'diversity, equity & inclusion.'" The letter continued, "But there are no federal or state laws prohibiting the principles of D.E.I." The Times noted the "defiant response" by New York as a contrast to how other states were handling the issue. The Trump administration issued a notice on Thursday demanding compliance from school systems across the country to obey federal civil rights law, including Title VI and a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action issued in 2023, according to The Gothamist. The New York Education Department's announcement that it has been and already is in compliance with the law, despite the Trump administration's demands, comes amid a tumultuous time for schools as the federal education department threatens to withdraw funding from universities. Brown University has had over $500 million in federal funding halted over its response to anti-Israel protests on campus by the Trump administration. The Trump administration also punished Columbia University for its response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus, restricting over $400 million in funds. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
