Despite Pressure From Federal Government, ELPS Has No Plans to Ditch DEI Efforts

President Donald Trump’s administration has said that school districts must end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, or risk losing federal funding. Members of the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education, however, told ELi they have no intention of ending the district’s DEI initiatives.

The order to end DEI programs in schools has been temporarily halted by federal judges. If the Trump administration is eventually successful in its legal battle, approximately $1 million in federal funds to ELPS hang in the balance.

“For now,” Superintendent Dori Leyko said in an email, “we have not made any changes to our DEI programming, personnel, policies, etc. At this time, I do not anticipate any changes, but the Board will make or weigh in on those decisions as decisions need to be made.”

For years, district leaders have said that they are committed to the district’s DEI efforts. One example of a DEI initiative in the district is its diverse book initiative, which introduces more inclusive literature into elementary classroom libraries.

Another initiative gives staff the opportunity to choose to receive training from the Justice Leaders Collaborative. The collaborative course allows participants to explore their place in the world and the concepts of inclusion and building community,

The ELPS Board of Education has no plans to discontinue the district’s DEI initiatives.

ELi reached out to members of the ELPS Board of Education for their response to the Trump administration’s plans and how they might affect district efforts.

“We are in compliance with all state and federal civil rights laws and I personally have no plans to vote in a manner that would change anything we are currently doing,” Board Treasurer Kath Edsall said.

Trustee Terah Chambers sought to clarify how DEI has benefited the district.

“I find it helpful right now to remind ourselves why we pursue DEI-related goals,” she said, “and yes, an important piece of that answer relates to an alignment with our values and a commitment to ensuring all students are seen and supported. However, another piece that seems to be overlooked in the current landscape is the fact that these DEI practices are also empirically linked to improved academic outcomes for all students. And, that makes sense because when we feel valued at work, at home, or at school, we perform better. I think everything we do has been enhanced because of our DEI initiatives; I’m not sure I could name something that has not been enhanced.”

Board secretary Tali Faris-Hylen agreed, saying the hiring of the district Director of Equity and Social Justice Klaudia Burton has improved ELPS.

“DEI creates a sense of belonging for every student and we know that increased participation, improved academic outcomes, and higher graduation rates in historically marginalized groups are the result,” Faris-Hylen said.

Board members’ responses indicate that they take the Trump administration’s threats seriously.

“Federal funding is vital to many of our programs,” Trustee Abbie Tykocki said. “Any threat to it should be taken seriously. That said, our focus remains on doing what’s best for students through thoughtful approaches, transparent communication and advocating for local control in education that reflects our district’s values and the needs of our students.”

“In the Trump administration’s consistent attack on public education,” Trustee Estrella Torrez said, “educational institutions should maintain discussions exploring how to balance federal influence with local education policies to support inclusivity that can ultimately strengthen our educational system for all students.”

Each board member said ELPS would continue supporting DEI initiatives and stressing the importance of the values in the district.

“I do not see any scenario in which we abandon our current efforts that do an excellent job of meeting the needs of our students,” said Board president Chris Martin. “I would personally like to see us expand our efforts and evolve to respond to the needs of a dynamic world.”

Chambers has already received questions from the community about the Trump policies.

“I’m not sure I have reassuring answers for them,” she said. “In fact, I know I don’t. I will say that I will always do what I can to support our community in accordance with our mission. That includes those in our community who support President Trump’s agenda. One thing I’ve learned in the current climate is that there is a segment of our community, locally and nationally, who do not feel seen or valued. While I think these current policies are an overreach of federal authority and at odds with our duty to educate, I can still recognize that some of what is driving those policies stems from a community that does not feel supported. I absolutely feel a need to communicate more effectively about why the work we are doing is so important to our academic mission and to foster better connections with that segment of our population.”

Faris-Hylen wanted to stress the idea that the board’s commitment to DEI is connected to the district’s official mission of nurturing each child, educating all students and building world citizens. 

“When reading that mission and vision,” she said, “there is no question that DEI must remain centered in our district.”