BEND, Ore. — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield released new guidance Monday for schools regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs. It’s a response to the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter sent to districts across the country, demanding an end to all DEI programs.
A coalition of 15 state attorneys general, including Oregon, says efforts to pursue diverse, equitable and inclusive policies have longstanding legal precedent. Rayfield’s guidance states that current DEI programs cannot be changed by one executive order or a letter from the Education Department.
“Making sure diversity, equity, and inclusion are protected in education is about giving every student a fair chance to succeed,” Rayfield said in a statement. “When efforts are made to roll back DEIA programs, it’s not just about policy – it’s about denying students the support they need to thrive.”…