A federal judge has temporarily suspended a New Hampshire law that abolishes funding for public schools that continue diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
According to New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), “Judge Landya McCafferty’s order pauses the state from enforcing that law until September 18. The ‘temporary restraining order’ means schools will not have to report any contracts or activities involving DEI initiatives by Friday, as required under the law.”
From my perspective, this pause, enforced by McCafferty, is vital in protecting schools from diminishing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
I feel incredibly passionate that DEI is essential to incorporate into schools for various reasons, including the development of an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. I feel it provides students with an adequate level of comfort, which can ultimately improve their performance and engagement within the classroom and their overall well-being.
NHPR also reported that, “The law, which was included as part of the state budget package passed by Republican lawmakers earlier this year, prohibits any DEI initiatives in schools and public agencies that seek to improve outcomes for individuals who are grouped by age, sex, gender identity, race, or disability. Only schools, however, face funding cuts if they violate the law.”
I see this law as an attack on the movements of promoting DEI in the classroom, and this targets certain groups, since schools can be punished for addressing inequality within the system. There is no need for such aggression and force, trying so hard to get rid of DEI, where it is served in forms of punishments, where funding is stripped, and DEI initiatives are prohibited entirely.
There have been positive steps in the right direction, though, in my opinion, especially from McCafferty. This is seen as NHPR reported: “This is the second time in six months McCafferty has ruled against efforts to block diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools. In April, she temporarily halted the Trump administration’s DEI prohibitions, citing the same concerns about the law’s ‘vague and confusing’ provisions.”
It provides a sense of hope when a prominent figure, such as a judge who controls systemic endeavors, is fighting to keep DEI in the schools.
While I would like to think that there is a good amount of progress in the world and the progression of keeping DEI in the school system, that is simply not the case. We must continue to fight for what is right and keep DEI within the school system.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
