WA Superintendent Chris Reykdal criticizes Trump’s education defunding based on DEI, trans student policies

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal addressed concerns over federal efforts to defund education based on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and transgender student policies.

Appearing on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Reykdal criticized President Donald Trump’s use of executive orders to enforce these changes, noting that courts have already dismissed similar attempts in multiple jurisdictions.

“These executive orders are often thrown out by the courts due to lack of clear authority,” Reykdal said. “We’ve been teaching authentic history about diversity, equity and inclusion forever. It’s just now politicized.”

Reykdal expressed confidence that the courts would continue to reject federal attempts to withhold funding over DEI issues.

“I don’t anticipate losing revenue over this, but the threat will be there,” Reykdal stated. “Our state’s laws are so protective of students, including trans youth, that we couldn’t violate our own state law.”

However, he acknowledged the transgender issue is more complex, as the president seeks to define sex at birth for participation in athletics and other activities. Reykdal emphasized that it has traditionally been a state responsibility and predicted the Supreme Court would ultimately decide.

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‘More cuts coming,’ Reykdal says

“We’re certainly anticipating more cuts from the feds,” Reykdal said. “What matters most is that school districts don’t take a single cut if it’s programming for basic education for students.”

Reykdal explained the cuts to the U.S. Department of Education could significantly impact schools, with lower income families being hurt the most. He wants to allocate more money to teacher training.

Reykdal also addressed the Trump administration’s broader goals, suggesting they aim to unwind civil rights protections and promote the privatization of education.

“They want each state to decide civil rights thresholds, as they did for decades after the Civil War,” Reykdal explained. “They also believe in privatization, which could destroy the most democratic institution that created opportunity.”

Reykdal emphasized the importance of a common education system that guarantees access to every child, regardless of income. Additionally, nearly half a million children in Washington could lose access to free school lunches under the GOP budget proposal.

“We’ve expanded meal programs to support 700,000 children, but cuts would force the state to either reduce this number or find alternative funding,” Reykdal warned.

As the debate continues, the future of the U.S. Department of Education remains uncertain, with significant implications for students and schools across the nation.

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