LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan officials say they are reviewing a federal order to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools but have not committed to immediate changes.

The U.S. Department of Education issued the directive on February 14th, warning that schools must dismantle DEI initiatives by the end of the month or risk losing federal funding. The order follows a Supreme Court ruling and a Trump administration push to enforce federal civil rights laws without DEI-based modifications.

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However, State Superintendent Michael Rice told Bridge Michigan that the Michigan Department of Education is assessing the directive but maintained that DEI programs do not violate federal law.

In a statement, Rice said: “MDE disagrees that pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, inherently harm particular groups of children and are de facto violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

Meanwhile, Republican State Board member Nikki Snyder questioned the effectiveness of DEI, arguing it has become a “political vehicle of propaganda.” She also criticized the notion of teaching “superiority as a racial quality rather than a human quality.” 

Some Michigan schools are already adjusting. 

The University of Michigan’s School of Nursing, for example, has rebranded its DEI page as “Community Culture.” Other districts, including Detroit Public Schools and Ann Arbor Public Schools, are weighing how to proceed.