Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has taken a leading role in a lawsuit involving 19 attorneys general, challenging the U.S. Department of Education's decision to withhold federal funding from educational entities not complying with new interpretations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The suit aims to prevent the enforcement of these conditions, which require state and local agencies to relinquish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or risk losing substantial federal financial support.
On April 3, 2025, the Department of Education stipulated that educational support would be contingent upon adherence to the Trump administration's revised understanding of Title VI concerning DEI initiatives. This could result in Illinois losing nearly $1.4 billion in federal educational aid if it does not comply with the new guidelines.
Raoul remarked, "The Trump administration is now attempting to illegally stop the allocation of these Congressionally-mandated funds in order to push a vague, anti-DEI agenda at the expense of some of the most vulnerable children in Illinois and across the country. I proudly stand with my fellow Attorneys General to defend this important funding and help ensure that all children have access to a quality public education."
Critics of the department's stance highlight the lack of clarity on which DEI measures are deemed illegal or the foundation of these legal arguments. Consequently, Illinois and similar states have not been able to confirm compliance under these uncertain terms, leading to the lawsuit. "Even if those steps were taken," Raoul noted, "states could still face liability for failing to fully comply with the department’s vague and ill-defined order."
The involved educational funding is crucial for various programs, including providing equitable opportunities for rural, low-income, and special education students. It also supports English language learning, aids vulnerable groups like foster care children, and finances technical education.
The lawsuit, co-led by Raoul and attorneys general from states such as California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, contends that the department's approach violates constitutional provisions and administrative protocols. Participating states assert their continued compliance with Title VI regulations and argue against the newly imposed conditions as unconstitutional under the Spending Clause and the Appropriations Clause.
Raoul, alongside his counterparts, questions the legality of terminating funds based on an interpretation they view as inconsistent with legislative intent and statutory law. The coalition includes attorneys general from states including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.