- The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new website called enddei.ed.gov. The launch came Thursday, just hours ahead of a deadline by the Trump administration ordering institutions to end discrimination or their federal funding could be jeopardized.
- The first-of-its-kind online portal is for people to submit discrimination complaints.
- The department said that submissions will be used in potential investigations, with a promise to those who submit that the complaints will maintain confidentiality.
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The U.S. Department of Education under President Donald Trump has launched a new website. It came online on Thursday, Feb. 27, ahead of a deadline by the Trump administration, which ordered academic institutions to end discrimination or their federal funding could be jeopardized.
The first-of-its-kind online portal is for people to submit discrimination complaints.
The department said that submissions will be used in potential investigations, with a promise to those who submit that the complaints will maintain confidentiality.
Who is behind the effort?
Moms of Liberty cofounder Tiffany Justice, who worked to launch the website, told ABC News in a statement, “DEI needs to go. DEI has re-segregated our schools in many ways, and our children are forced to see race in ways that they never did.”
Justice added that the website shows President Donald Trump’s Department of Education giving power back to parents.
Justice said that parents want schools to focus on basic subjects like reading, writing and math, rather than “pushing critical race theory, rogue sex education and divisive ideologies.”
The new website echoes Justice’s concerns, stating, “Schools should focus on learning,” and features four boxes to fill out, including email, school district, ZIP code and the complaint itself.
How is it connected to a ‘Dear Colleague’ memo?
The website’s launch comes after a “Dear Colleague” letter from acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, who said that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 will be strictly enforced and racial discrimination is “illegal.”
The letter also criticizes diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
What are critics saying about these moves?
EdTrust Senior Vice President Wil Del Pilar contends that these programs were started to end segregation and improve diversity rather than harm it.
Education groups opposing the memo are also suing the department, its acting secretary Denise Carter, as well as Trainor. The lawsuit states that the request “irreparably” harms students and teachers, and it violates free speech rights. The groups argue the letter is too vague and not enforceable.
The memo gave agencies until Friday, Feb. 28, to comply with the Department of Education’s request.
