A Washington state school district is standing by its race-based hiring and staffing policies despite the Trump administration’s warning that such practices could lead to a loss of federal funding. The district’s affirmative action plan prioritizes the retention of “staff of color” in cases of staff reductions and incorporates diversity-based hiring goals, raising concerns about potential violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.
According to internal documents, the district has implemented a hiring strategy that considers race as a factor in recruitment and retention. Part of this strategy includes forming race-based affinity groups, such as the “Staff of Color Coalition” and “Black Legacy” group, which provide networking and professional development exclusively for non-white staff members. Additionally, the district mandates anti-bias training for hiring personnel to “mitigate implicit bias” during applicant screening.
The Trump administration has made it clear that race-based hiring in public institutions violates federal law. In January, the Department of Education sent letters to multiple school districts warning that policies explicitly favoring employees based on race could result in the loss of federal funding. The administration has argued that these practices violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds.
Despite these warnings, Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has encouraged districts to continue their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In a public statement, he asserted that federal guidance letters lack legal authority and do not override state policies. Washington law prohibits racial discrimination or preferential treatment in public employment and education, but some districts argue that their DEI initiatives align with broader efforts to promote equity.
Critics argue that such hiring policies create a double standard that discriminates against qualified applicants based on race. Conservative watchdog groups and legal organizations are monitoring the situation closely, with some preparing to challenge the policies in court. The Trump administration has made rolling back DEI-based hiring in education a priority, as part of broader efforts to restore merit-based hiring and eliminate racial preferences in public institutions.
As the legal battle over race-based hiring intensifies, school districts across the country will likely face increased scrutiny over how they approach diversity initiatives. With federal funding potentially at stake, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how public schools implement hiring and retention practices nationwide.
