On Friday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he secured an agreement with the Trump administration to protect Minnesota’s education funding from cuts tied to diversity programs.
On April 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education told state and local agencies that they must comply with a new interpretation of Title VI, which denounces diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), or risk losing funding. Minnesota refused to certify compliance, citing the department’s vague interpretation.
“I remain deeply disappointed, though entirely unsurprised, that Donald Trump would try to unlawfully cut programs that support students from poor families, students with special needs, and students in foster care or without housing,” said Ellison.
Funding protection
Ellison, along with 18 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit asserting the department’s actions violated several legal principles. The lawsuit was supported by a complementary case in Maryland, which vacated the certification request.
“As Minnesotans, we believe that every child, no matter their race, gender, the wealth of their family, or zip code, deserves the best education possible,” said Ellison. He expressed satisfaction with the agreement protecting over $530 million for Minnesota schools annually.
What does this mean for Minnesota?
The agreement ensures the U.S. Department of Education will not withhold funding based on the contested conditions. This funding supports various educational needs, including services for low-income families, special education and teacher training.
The coalition of attorneys general includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
RELATED: US education secretary again threatens Minnesota funding over alleged Title IX violations
The post Lawsuit settlement with Trump administration protects $530 million of federal Minnesota education funding first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.
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