1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from Colorado Springs to express my strong support for sustained federal funding to states through the Department of Education and to advocate for the preservation and promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our schools. Recent actions by the Trump administration, including directives to eliminate DEI programs and threats to withdraw federal funding from non-compliant schools, raise significant concerns about the future of equitable education in our country. These measures not only undermine decades of progress in promoting inclusive educational environments but also jeopardize critical funding streams, such as Title I, that support schools serving low-income communities. DEI initiatives play a vital role in fostering inclusive school climates where all students, regardless of their background, can thrive. Programs that address disparities in discipline, access to advanced coursework, and culturally responsive teaching are essential for closing achievement gaps and promoting social cohesion. Moreover, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is instrumental in enforcing federal civil rights laws that protect students from discrimination. However, the OCR has been historically underfunded, limiting its capacity to address the increasing number of civil rights complaints effectively. In 2023 alone, the OCR received nearly 19,000 complaints, highlighting the pressing need for increased resources. Advocacy groups have called for doubling the OCR's funding to ensure it can fulfill its mandate to protect students' rights. I urge you to: 1 Support robust federal funding to states through the Department of Education, ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to provide quality education to all students. 2 Advocate for the preservation and enhancement of DEI initiatives in schools, recognizing their importance in promoting equitable educational opportunities. 3 Champion increased funding for the Office for Civil Rights, enabling it to effectively enforce civil rights laws and address discrimination in our education system. Ensuring that every student has access to a fair and inclusive education is not only a moral imperative but also essential for the prosperity and unity of our nation. I appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to your continued support for policies that uphold the principles of equity and inclusion in education