PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a multi-state lawsuit on Friday, challenging the Trump administration’s threats to cut federal funding for K-12 schools that practice diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The lawsuit was filed by a group of 19 attorneys general against the U.S. Department of Education, which informed state and local education agencies on April 3 that they must follow the administration’s order to eliminate DEI policies or risk losing federal funding.

According to Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, the loss of federal funding would be “catastrophic” for schools.

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“This isn’t about politics – it’s about making sure schools don’t lose funding just for trying to create fair and welcoming environments for all students,” Attorney General Rayfield said. “You don’t get to rewrite a civil rights law with an executive order. Title VI exists to protect students from discrimination, not to be used as a bargaining chip.”

According to Rayfield’s Office, the U.S. Department of Education provides around $437 million to Oregon in federal funding annually, with around $316 million remaining for the 2024 fiscal year.

That funding includes supports to ensure students from low-income families have the same access to quality education as other students, provides special education services, helps recruit and train teachers, funds programs for non-native speakers to learn English and provides support to children in foster care and children without housing.

To continue receiving funding, the Trump administration is asking schools and education agencies to provide written agreements they will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination based on race, color or national origin. The Trump administration argues that DEI policies violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

In response, the attorneys general say that the Department of Education’s effort to withhold funding for DEI policies is in violation of the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedures Act.

Other states joining the lawsuit include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Oregon is among states refusing to comply with the administration’s demand, with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek ordering the Oregon Department of Education to “hold the line” on its DEI initiatives.

“Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values. Making sure every child has the opportunity to meet their future promise with a strong public education is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government and one of my top priorities as Governor,” Kotek said.

The governor added, “The Trump Administration’s threat to shortchange Oregon students hurts children and families and undermines the dedication and work of our educators. That is why I directed ODE to hold the line today. We will not tolerate this unwarranted and unlawful attempt to take away resources promised to Oregon students and paid for by the tax dollars we send to the federal government.”

In response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for written assurances from state agencies, ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams defended DEI practices in Oregon.

“Oregon has implemented and continues to implement education programs in accordance with state and federal law. Oregon remains fiercely committed to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate our differences and common humanity. Our moral and ethical obligation is to stand up for public education. We want to assure Oregonians that their children can learn and thrive in safe, welcoming, and supportive environments,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams wrote.

Dr. Williams added, it is not “okay” to leverage school funding for political purposes.

The responses from ODE and the governor come after Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously praised Puerto Rico for being the first to comply with the administration’s request, as reported by the Associated Press.

“Every state that wants to continue receiving federal funds should follow suit,” McMahon posted on X.

According to AP, the letter “does not carry the force of law but threatens to use civil rights enforcement to rid schools of DEI practices,” noting schools could face lawsuits from the Department of Justice.