Superintendent warns board the Department of Education 'Dear Colleague' letter could put DEI funding at risk

Superintendent Dr. Hansen told the MSD Warren Township school board that the district is closely monitoring a recent letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights that alters prior federal priorities on diversity, equity and inclusion and could affect federal grant eligibility.

Hansen said the letter — described in board materials as the "Dear Colleague" letter — rescinds the previous administration’s DEI prioritization and warned that schools and postsecondary institutions that do not comply might face the loss of federal funding. "We are watching this," she said, adding the district is working with legal counsel and peer districts to interpret the change. She noted that Perry Township was notified that one of its grants was eliminated under the new policy.

The superintendent reviewed district supports and recent activities — including school visits, a staff professional-development day with an immigration-focused presenter, and partnerships with postsecondary institutions — and said the district will update the board as clarifications arrive from legal counsel and other districts. "Interpretation is very important right now," she said.

Why it matters: The board learned that federal compliance questions could affect Title I, IDEA and other federal allocations that help pay for counselors, interventionists and specialized services. Hansen placed the change in the context of broader state and federal uncertainty and said the district is preparing to respond to requests from legislators and the DOE.

The board took no formal action on the letter itself during the meeting; Hansen said staff will continue coordinating with the district’s legal team and report back on any material impacts or required policy changes.