PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The School District of Palm Beach County is set to adopt an emergency rule to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies, in order to keep federal funding.
This policy change will be part of the school board's April 23 meeting. The agenda item cites that there is "imminent danger to the health, safety, and welfare posed to the public and the significant fiscal implications associated with federal enforcement of the federal interpretation of Title VI and the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard Supreme Court case."
WATCH: Businesses that work with school district react to policy change
Documents posted to the School Board of Palm Beach County site claim that the district is taking this measure to avoid losing approximately $300 million in federal funding.
The documents lay out the timeline that reportedly prompted this decision, starting with a Feb. 14 letter issued by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, mandating that schools that receive federal funding comply with the current administration's interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
National News
Harvard University sues Trump administration over $2B funding freeze
In February, the Florida Department of Education applauded the Trump administration and DOE for "taking a stand against racial discrimination and stereotyping in education."
The agenda item also states that "The proposed revisions to this policy eliminate references to an advantage or disadvantage conferred on a group based on race, ethnicity, or national origin."
An April 3 letter from the U.S. Department of Education stated schools must comply with these new policies by April 24 to keep funding.
The School District of Palm Beach County sent WPTV this statement:
Regarding the proposed changes to the M/WBE program, we are currently reviewing our policies to ensure they align with all applicable legal requirements and best practices. This review may result in adjustments to the program, and we will provide further information as that review progresses. We must also note that we are able to continue our robust small business program, which requires the use of small businesses for major District projects.
While the District certifies and tracks M/WBEs and SBES for reporting purposes, as authorized in policy 6.143, a preference program has been implemented for SBEs only since 2017. Therefore, we do not anticipate a significant impact to District practices based on Board action regarding these policies.
On Wednesday, the school district sent WPTV this additional statement:
The School District of Palm Beach County is committed to compliance with all laws and regulations related to nondiscrimination and to meeting the requirements associated with the receipt of federal funding. In response to recent directives and guidance from the U.S. and the Florida Departments of Education, we are reviewing and updating district policies to remain in alignment with state and federal policy positions.
Compliance is required to protect the approximately $300 million in federal funding the District receives to support students and school operations. These funds are essential for services that benefit students from low-income households, students with unique needs and disabilities, classroom instruction, employee training and school meals.
The School Board will take emergency action at this afternoon’s meeting to adopt initial policy changes needed to maintain alignment with state and federal policy positions. These policies will also go through the School Board’s standard rulemaking process within the next 90 days. This is part of our continuous review of policies, and additional updates may follow as additional guidance and mandates are issued.
We remain focused on our efforts to continue providing a high-quality education in a supportive environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.
