Educators and Sociologists Sue to Overturn Controversial Policy Letter

Educator Groups Challenge Department of Education's New Policy

Baltimore, Md.— A coalition of educators and sociologists has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit, filed in Maryland's federal court, contests an advisory issued by the Department's Office for Civil Rights. This advisory, known as the “Dear Colleague” letter, was released on February 14 and threatens educational institutions with the withdrawal of federal funding for failure to comply with new guidelines by February 28. The guidelines are criticized for potentially undermining civil rights laws and introducing the threat of investigations and prosecutions.

Among those filing the suit are the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT-Maryland, and the American Sociological Association. They argue that the letter poses a threat to educational quality by discouraging the teaching of comprehensive historical topics, including slavery, diversity, and inclusion, which they believe are essential for fostering a creative and critically thinking society.

AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the importance of honest education, stating, “It’s our job as educators to foster opportunity, dignity and engagement... This vague and clearly unconstitutional memo is a grave attack on students, our profession and knowledge itself.” She warned that the policy could hinder the teaching of significant historical events and legislation, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Civil Rights Act.

Democracy Forward, supporting the lawsuit, claims the administration's policy attempts to impose its views unlawfully. Skye Perryman, President and CEO, described the policy as “un-American and unlawful,” adding, “We will continue to pursue every legal opportunity to oppose and stop harmful attacks on freedom of expression.”

AFT-Maryland President Kenya Campbell stressed the need for teaching diverse histories to meet student needs, stating that the policy threatens the functionality of public schools by imposing barriers to education. She expressed that the lawsuit aims to protect honest education for all students, from K-12 to higher education.

Adia Harvey Wingfield, President of the American Sociological Association, highlighted the critical role of race in understanding social phenomena. She argued that the letter restricts sociologists' ability to educate and conduct research, stating that it “inflicts a profound disservice upon students who gain from a more comprehensive understanding of the world.”

The full complaint can be accessed here.

The AFT represents 1.8 million members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.