BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The U.S. Department of Education on Thursday launched an “end DEI” public portal for people to report diversity and inclusion efforts, now “illegal discriminatory practices,” in K-12 schools.
According to the department, the goal is to ensure students have access to “meaningful learning free of divisive ideologies and indoctrination.”
The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in education. On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing all entities that receive federal funding to terminate any DEI-related programs. Additional executive orders have followed, though some have been blocked in federal court. Despite legal challenges, the administration continues to take steps to roll back DEI policies.
The form asks for an email address, the name and ZIP code of the school or district and a description of what the reporting party believes is discriminatory. A news release states the Department “will use submissions as a guide to identify potential areas for investigation.”
Announcing the launch of https://t.co/RDuiqN3rMJ – a public portal for parents, students, teachers, and the broader community to submit reports of discrimination based on race or sex in publicly-funded K-12 schools. pic.twitter.com/HIcsB5Zg1F
— U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) February 27, 2025
Conservative groups have praised the new reporting system, arguing that schools should focus on academics rather than ideological programs. Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice welcomed the initiative.
“For years, parents have been begging schools to focus on teaching their kids practical skills like reading, writing, and math, instead of pushing critical theory, rogue sex education and divisive ideologies—but their concerns have been brushed off, mocked, or shut down entirely,” Justice said in the USDOE statement.
The launch of the portal comes after the Department’s Office for Civil Rights issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” on Feb. 14 reminding schools of their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.
The letter specifically criticized race-based admissions policies and other DEI initiatives, stating:
“In recent years, American educational institutions have discriminated against students on the basis of race, including white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families. These institutions’ embrace of pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination have emanated throughout every facet of academia.”
The letter also referenced the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions, warning that race-based policies violate federal law:
“The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.”
Schools have until today to comply with federal guidelines. While it remains unclear how aggressively the department will pursue enforcement, the portal represents a significant step in reshaping how discrimination complaints are handled in education.