The Education Department threatened the federal funding of states that wouldn’t comply with the administration’s anti-DEI interpretation of civil rights law. With that demand paused, states are suing to end it entirely.

The Education Department had given states until Thursday to certify compliance with its controversial interpretation of civil rights law. Federal judges complicated that effort hours before the deadline.

The Trump administration said the orders would make schools safer and give teachers more tools to maintain behavior in their classrooms. The move is tied to the administration’s broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools.

The Trump administration wants state officials to certify that schools are following its interpretation of civil rights laws, or else lose federal funding. Some are refusing to comply.

Everything from freezers in the school kitchens to material costs for new school buildings could be impacted by the tariffs, most of which begin April 9. Books are generally exempt – but not the paper they’re printed on.

‘Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,’ a Trump education civil rights official warned states.

McMahon said the Education Department won’t honor Biden-era deadline extensions to spend the aid. School officials say they’ve committed the money and should be reimbursed.

Linda McMahon said schools must not withhold children’s gender plans from parents. But LGBTQ advocates say trans youth should have some control over that information.

Multiple laws say the Education Department is responsible for overseeing funding and services for children with disabilities. Shifting that to another agency would require an act of Congress, several experts said.

Legally, only Congress has the power to eliminate the department. But the Trump administration recently laid off nearly half its staff.