Cuyahoga Falls board suspends DEI policy until next meeting after heated debate over federal guidance

Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education members voted unanimously April 9 to suspend board policy AEA — the district—s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) policy — until the board—s next meeting, following a two-hour discussion about federal guidance and a looming state certification deadline.

The suspension vote (motion as amended) passed 5-0 after board members and the superintendent—s office described recent federal and state actions that could affect districts receiving federal funds. Superintendent Dr. Celico told the board the U.S. Department of Education had issued guidance and that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) requested signed certifications from districts by April 18, 2025; she said the district must act now to avoid risking federal funding. "We need to ensure that our district does not lose our federal funding," she said during the discussion.

The vote came after an earlier motion to amend the board—s suspension procedure (item 3 on the agenda) failed. That motion, to alter board policy BFF so a suspension would remain in effect —3until further notice—4rather than terminating at the next meeting, was put to roll call and failed 0-5. The separate motion to suspend AEA until the next board meeting passed after board members amended the suspension language to explicitly end at the next meeting.

Why it mattered

Board members said they were balancing two imperatives: protect federal funding streams that support district programs and preserve policies the board believes support students— needs. Board member Patty White criticized the national debate and the language behind the federal and state directives, calling the situation —3dumb.—4 Board member Mister Gomez urged precision in implementation, noting the federal materials focus on race-based, not all, DEI programs: "It never once says that we can't have any DEI programs," he said, arguing the district can maintain lawful DEI-related work that does not give preferential treatment by race.

Discussion highlights and legal context

- Superintendent Dr. Celico summarized federal and state steps: a U.S. Department of Education memo (early April 2025) and an ODEW request that districts sign a Title VI-related certification by April 18, 2025. Board members said that timeline created urgency.

- Board members and the superintendent said legal counsel advised caution. Several board members said they had been told by outside counsel and district attorneys to delay signing anything until pending court rulings clarified the federal guidance.

- Board members debated whether to rescind policy language outright or temporarily suspend it to allow the policy committee and legal counsel to draft compliant language. Several trustees argued suspension would buy time to carefully review policy wording and avoid unintended cuts to student programs.

Votes and next steps

- Motion (failed): Amend board policy BFF so suspensions do not terminate at the next meeting — FAILED, roll call 0-5.

- Motion (passed, as amended): Suspend policy AEA (DEIB) until the board—s next meeting — PASSED, roll call 5-0.

Board members directed administration and legal counsel to convene the policy committee and produce recommended policy language (or confirm compliance steps) for consideration at the next meeting. Several trustees said they expected a policy-committee meeting on short notice so the board can evaluate proposed changes in public session and avoid risking federal funds while also preserving programs the board considers important.

Ending

The board—s suspension leaves the underlying policy in place but inactive until members revisit the matter at the next public meeting. Trustees said they will use the intervening time to consult legal counsel, review federal and state developments (including any court rulings), and develop specific policy language for public review.