Ohio Schools Hesitate on DEI Changes Despite Trump’s Deadline Passing
Despite former President Donald Trump’s two-week deadline for schools to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, many Ohio public schools and universities are proceeding with caution, making few immediate changes.
The U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter on Feb. 14, instructing public schools and universities to cease DEI-related programs, particularly those addressing systemic racism. While this directive has faced legal challenges, the Feb. 28 deadline has come and gone with no clear enforcement measures in place.
Some institutions have begun adjusting their DEI policies. Ohio State University, for example, shut down two DEI offices and eliminated various related programs. Akron Public Schools stated it is reviewing its DEI initiatives, though it reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
However, many central Ohio school districts have either remained silent on potential changes or indicated that they do not anticipate significant shifts. Dublin City Schools and New Albany-Plain Local Schools stated they had no formal DEI initiatives requiring revision. South-Western City Schools similarly claimed alignment with federal expectations, asserting they had no existing DEI curriculum in place.
