In a bold stance against the recent ultimatum from the U.S. Department of Education, Rep. Michelle McCane of Tulsa has voiced strong opposition to the threat of revoked school funding over DEI programs. According to an official statement released by the Oklahoma House, McCane criticizes the federal directive to schools, which demands certification of DEI program bans within a tight 10-day window or face financial repercussions.
“Threatening to withhold funding from schools that prioritize inclusion and opportunity is an unacceptable federal overreach which amounts to extortion,” McCane expressed in the statement. The Congresswoman argues that the mandate exacerbates the strain on schools that are already reeling from Oklahoma’s prior decision to bar DEI initiatives. This development adds further administrative hurdles, suggesting a move that aims more for political grandstanding than educational benefit.
Further emphasizing her position, McCane pointed to the importance DEI initiatives hold in creating inclusive educational environments. She underscored that such programs nurture equity and guard against discrimination, while prepping students for a workplace increasingly defined by its variety. The representative’s statement, obtained by the Oklahoma House, underscored her belief in the critical role of DEI programs for fostering equal learning opportunities…