On April 25, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, along with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The lawsuit challenges the DOE's threat to withhold federal funding from state and local agencies that do not comply with the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 education.
The DOE had informed state and local agencies on April 3, 2025, that they must adhere to this new interpretation or face losing federal education funds. Nevada and other states have refused to certify compliance with these requirements, citing their vagueness and inconsistency with Title VI. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the DOE from imposing these conditions on funding.
AG Ford stated, "The Trump administration is attempting to deny federal funding for our children’s education if we do not comply with a legally incomprehensible order to destroy the programs that protect those children from discrimination.” He added that complying would lead to litigation and dismantle protective programs for children.
Nevada receives nearly $1 billion annually in federal support for various educational needs. This includes aid for low-income students, special education services, teacher recruitment and training, English language programs for non-native speakers, and support for vulnerable children. These funds are contingent upon compliance with Title VI's anti-discrimination provisions.
The DOE's letter demanded that agencies certify they are not running programs contrary to the administration's view on diversity efforts or risk losing funding. Nevada has chosen not to comply with what it views as an unlawful certification demand but continues to uphold its previous certifications under Title VI.
The lawsuit argues that the DOE's actions violate several constitutional provisions and acts including the Spending Clause, Appropriations Clause, separation of powers principles, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Joining AG Ford in this legal action are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.