Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has secured a major victory for schools in the state, as an agreement reached with the Trump administration will safeguard nearly $1.4 billion annually in federal education funding.
The deal resolves a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states after the US Department of Education threatened to cut off funds from schools that refused to sign up for compliance with new diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The move was sparked by the department's interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to promote DEI efforts.
However, many states, including Illinois, refused to comply due to concerns over the vagueness and legality of the requirements. Raoul joined with attorneys general from California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York to challenge the funding threat in court, arguing that it was unconstitutional under the Spending Clause, Appropriations Clause, and separation of powers.
A related lawsuit by the American Federation of Teachers successfully blocked the certification request on April 3, paving the way for this agreement. Under the deal, Illinois schools are now protected from having their funds withheld based on non-compliance with the disputed conditions.
The preserved funding will support vital programs such as those serving low-income and rural students, special education services, teacher recruitment and training, English-language learner programs, services for foster care children, and career technical education. The agreement also involves 19 other states and Washington D.C., underscoring the significance of this development in protecting federal education funding.
Raoul's involvement in securing this deal highlights his commitment to protecting vulnerable students and ensuring that schools receive the necessary resources to provide a quality education.
The deal resolves a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states after the US Department of Education threatened to cut off funds from schools that refused to sign up for compliance with new diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The move was sparked by the department's interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to promote DEI efforts.
However, many states, including Illinois, refused to comply due to concerns over the vagueness and legality of the requirements. Raoul joined with attorneys general from California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York to challenge the funding threat in court, arguing that it was unconstitutional under the Spending Clause, Appropriations Clause, and separation of powers.
A related lawsuit by the American Federation of Teachers successfully blocked the certification request on April 3, paving the way for this agreement. Under the deal, Illinois schools are now protected from having their funds withheld based on non-compliance with the disputed conditions.
The preserved funding will support vital programs such as those serving low-income and rural students, special education services, teacher recruitment and training, English-language learner programs, services for foster care children, and career technical education. The agreement also involves 19 other states and Washington D.C., underscoring the significance of this development in protecting federal education funding.
Raoul's involvement in securing this deal highlights his commitment to protecting vulnerable students and ensuring that schools receive the necessary resources to provide a quality education.
. I mean, think about it, if they had been forced to start these DEI programs without any clarity on what that even means, it would've been a total disaster 
. And with $1.4 billion at stake, it's not like the Trump administration was gonna give up easily 
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. I'm just glad he didn't have to do it alone - it's awesome that he had some solidarity from other states and the AFT too 
. This agreement is gonna make a huge difference in education, especially for low-income and rural students who already face so many barriers to success 
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. And let's be real, this deal is a win for democracy too - it's proof that one person (or in this case, one attorney general) can make a real difference when they stand up for what's right 
. But seriously, this is a major win for education in the US. The fact that it affects 20 states now? 
That's huge! Schools with low-income and rural students will be getting more support, which is totally awesome. Plus, special ed services and English-language learner programs will get more funding too 
something fishy is goin on here... think about it, the trumps are makin a comeback with this kinda thing, tryin to slip in some DEI requirements without us even noticin'. but what's really goin on? who benefits from all this? seems like the fed's just tryin to strong arm states into doin' their biddin. 
raoul's doin a good job of protectin our schools, but is it 'cause he genuinely cares or is he just playin both sides against each other to get ahead? 
Now, with this agreement, Illinois schools (and 19 others) can breathe a sigh of relief 
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. This is what we should be celebrating - not arguing about it 
I mean, I know it's been a thing for a while, but come on, 19 states are finally on board. The US Department of Education was being super vague with these new requirements, and Illinois basically stood up to them. 
The fact that it's a federal thing now is kinda cool too - I guess you could say Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 1964 is still relevant after all these years! 
And what about the Trump administration's interpretation of Title VI? Is this really about promoting diversity and inclusion or is it just a way to exert more control over state governments? I'm not sure, but as an attorney general, Kwame Raoul needs to do better than just defending his state. We need leaders who are willing to take on the big picture and fight for what's right, even if it's unpopular. 
but Kwame Raoul and his squad were all like "hold up, fam!" 
Can you believe it? 
It's like, can't we just focus on teaching and learning instead of trying to check all these boxes? 
And good job to AG Raoul for standing up for Illinois schools - they really need that extra funding! 
. And honestly, can you blame 'em? The whole thing with Title VI just seemed kinda sketchy 
. I'm all about supporting our teachers and making sure every kid has access to quality education - this deal is a big step in the right direction 
so great, another "victory" for our overworked teachers, who already have to navigate standardized testing & bureaucratic red tape... i mean, who wouldn't want to spend an extra $1.4 billion on their own salaries & benefits? 
and let's not forget the countless hours they'll spend trying to decipher the meaning behind "diversity, equity, and inclusion" programs – just what every teacher needs, more complexity in their already-packed schedule