Tolleson Union High School Board authorizes superintendent to decide whether to sign federal "DEI" assurance letter

The Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board voted to authorize the superintendent to use his discretion to sign or not sign a federal "DEI assurance" letter, a move board members said was necessary because the letter could put the district at risk of losing federal funds if the Department of Education deems some programs to be prohibited.

Board President (name not specified) opened the discussion and asked Superintendent Geisinger to summarize the document. Superintendent Geisinger told the board the letter describes certain DEI actions as discriminatory but does not define what practices would be considered DEI. He warned the district faces the possibility of federal funds being withheld if it does not sign and said the letter also threatens additional liabilities if the district signs but later is found to have programs the federal government classifies as DEI and does not stop them…