1. United States
2. N.H.
3. Letter

Join 16 states who have committed to refuse to sign the certification required by the Trump administration regarding the use of "illegal DEI practices." They are joining legal challenges against this order, as the vague wording around what constitutes an "illegal DEI practice" raises concerns about free speech violations and overreach of federal authority. Districts are contending that they are already held accountable for complying with civil rights laws and anti-discrimination policies through existing reporting requirements. This certification demand imposes an unnecessary administrative burden without clear justification or definition of the purported unlawful conduct it seeks to address. The state should protect local control and reject this flawed federal directive that seeks to constrain districts' efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students.