At the direction of Governor Tina Kotek, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Charlene Williams notified the U.S. Department of Education on April 10 that Oregon has implemented and continues to implement education programs in accordance with state and federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulation.
The letter from Dr. Williams is the state’s response to an April 3 order from the U.S. Department of Education giving states ten days to certify they are in compliance with the Department’s new interpretation of Title VI, or face the possible loss of federal education funding.
“Oregon remains fiercely committed to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate our differences and common humanity,” Dr. Williams wrote. “Our moral and ethical obligation is to stand up for public education. We want to assure Oregonians that their children can learn and thrive in safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.
Click here to view a letter of support for and appreciation of Oregon’s response, signed by Dr. Steven Cook and the superintendents of Oregon’s other largest school districts. “In our districts, we welcome, protect, respect, and teach every student without exception,” the superintendents wrote. “Your decision affirms and supports our commitment to our students.”
