Utah Board of Education members have debated how to respond to a new federal anti-DEI initiative, just months after implementing similar measures at the state level.
Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill in January 2024 eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in Utah public schools. Now, a directive from the federal government has left some state officials frustrated over what they see as a redundant and confusing development.
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration issued a “Dear Colleague” letter threatening to withhold federal funding from schools that have not banned all DEI-related practices.
This includes admissions policies, curriculum, scholarships and training programs that take race, color or national origin into account.
The letter states that “Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon 'systemic and structural racism' and advanced discriminatory policies and practices.”
It initially gave institutions 10 days to sign a statement of compliance or risk losing federal funding, a deadline later extended to April 24.
Roughly 12% of Utah’s public school funding comes from the federal government, just below the national average.
Although Utah has not yet signed the statement of compliance, a resolution that would have directed the removal of all DEI programs was recently rejected by the Utah State Board of Education.
The primary reason for the rejection was that state-level DEI restrictions are already in place.
“I had no idea that there were this many programs, this many people working in these offices," Cox said in a December 2023 press conference. "So then the question is, 'Well, what are the outcomes? Are we actually making a difference?' And we’re not seeing any evidence that they’re actually working.”
The bill signed on Jan. 30 has already been adopted accross the state's public schools.
For example, student resources and support programs previously managed by the University of Utah’s Black Cultural Center are now administered by the Center for Student Access and Resources, which says it aims to “assist students in navigating challenges and connecting them to essential resources.”
Still, some board members expressed frustration at the recent federal move.
“To me, we already have a law in place. We do not need this resolution," said Sarah Reale, a Utah State Board of Education member. "There are better things we could be working on right now.”
Reale also said the resolution was unnecessary, could create misleading narratives and risked fueling culture wars.
The broad nature of the federal directive has left some educators unsure of what the government ultimately hopes to accomplish.
“It feels like we’re taking a step backwards as a society that values fairness," said Sean Kuepper, a middle school science teacher from Draper, Utah. "Systemic barriers have set many groups back, and efforts to level the playing field and provide opportunities to a wider variety of people are not only fair but also what is best for the society as a whole.”
Kuepper said he believes diverse perspectives enhance creativity and collaboration.
“It makes me sad and angry. We will all miss out on the unique talents of so many people without DEI,” he added.
For now, it remains unclear how the federal directive will shape Utah’s next steps in public education.