Kotek to US Ed Dept: 'Not changing how we work in Oregon'

SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) -- Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek doubled down Tuesday on her directive to Oregon schools last week to ignore the Trump Administration's demands to cut diversity-equity-inclusion programs or lose federal funding.

At a media briefing at the State Capitol, Kotek honed in on the importance of keeping DEI practices in Oregon schools.

Oregon Department of Education response to Federal Actions

"It is part of what we do here in terms of making sure every student can be safe and supported in the classroom. So that letter went back to the (Trump) Administration," the governor said. "We have done nothing unlawful, and we are not changing how we do our work here in the state of Oregon."

On Monday, Kotek and the Bureau of Labor and Industries sent a letter that gives guidance to schools about how to keep their classrooms safe for all students during what many are calling an uncertain time.

"We can send a clear message that our work in Oregon, our schools are open and our classrooms are a safe place for students," Kotek said.

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to state education departments on April 3, giving states an ultimatum of eliminating DEI initiatives or losing federal funding for schools.

The U.S. Education Department asked state education departments to sign the letter and agree to follow antidiscrimination laws and to avoid civil rights violations such as DEI practices, aas reported by the Associated Press.

After initially giving states 10 days to submit their signed letter, certifying they would comply with the administration’s ask, the department extended the deadline to April 24.

In her initial announcement April 10, Kotek said, “Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values. … “The Trump Administration’s threat to shortchange Oregon students hurts children and families and undermines the dedication and work of our educators. That is why I directed ODE to hold the line today. We will not tolerate this unwarranted and unlawful attempt to take away resources promised to Oregon students and paid for by the tax dollars we send to the federal government.”

In a different school issue, the governor said she " very glad to see a strong bipartisan vote" on a bill to ban smartphone use in Oregon schools "from bell to bell. I think that's the right thing to do."

One other topic that came up was the resignation of interim Superintendent Dr. Sara Walker from the Oregon State Hospital. Kotek was tight lipped.

"At this point, I can't comment on any other details related to the patient death, but I am going to do everything I can to support patient safety and high standards of care at the state hospital," she said.