Federal judges pause US Education Department enforcement of DEI ban

Two federal judges have thrown a wrench into the Trump administration’s efforts to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools. In separate rulings, judges in Maryland and New Hampshire halted enforcement of a controversial policy that threatened federal funding for schools using race-conscious programming. Though the cases differ in scope and legal reasoning, both

Read & Share   sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Values vs. Funding: Fargo Schools Back Down Under Federal Pressure

Under mounting federal pressure, the Fargo school board voted 7-2 to abandon four educational justice philosophies meant to support LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and inclusive historical education. The decision came despite public opposition and was driven by fears of losing nearly $20 million in federal funds under Trump administration directives. While district leaders say

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Dickinson High unveils finalists for new mascot

Dickinson High is nearing the end of a long and emotional journey — one that’s stirred pride, reflection, and no small amount of debate. After nearly a century with the “Midgets” mascot, the school has revealed two finalists to carry its legacy forward: the Defenders and the Mavericks. Both names aim to reflect the spirit

Read & Share   sourced from: Dickinson Press

Icelandic Companies Asked To Abandon Diversity Policies For U.S. Contracts

Icelandic companies are finding themselves caught between two sets of rules — their own country’s laws promoting equality and the U.S. government’s push to ban DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies from federal contracts. Businesses working with the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik are now being asked to certify they don’t operate under DEI guidelines —

Read & Share   sourced from: Reykjavik Grapevine

States ordered by U.S. Education Department to certify school DEI ban or lose funds

The U.S. Department of Education is turning up the pressure on states, giving them just 10 days to certify that every K-12 school complies with a federal directive limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. At stake: continued federal funding. The order builds on a February letter warning schools against race-conscious programs, drawing on the

Read & Share   sourced from: Iowa Capital Dispatch

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Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls scrubs content to comply with DEI order

The Department of Defense has ordered the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content from Air Force websites, erasing stories, photos, and articles that once highlighted service members’ cultural backgrounds and achievements. At Malmstrom Air Force Base, deleted posts included events celebrating heritage months and the story of an Indigenous airman’s religious exemption. The

Read & Share   sourced from: Montana Free Press

Dickinson High to retire ‘Midgets’ mascot after nearly a century

After nearly a century, Dickinson Public Schools is retiring its longtime “Midgets” mascot, a decision aimed at fostering inclusivity and avoiding legal risks. While the name’s exact origins remain debated, concerns over its impact on students and potential civil rights challenges prompted district leaders to act. The transition will be phased in alongside planned renovations

Read & Share   sourced from: Dickinson Press

UND Among Schools Under Federal Investigation for Graduate Program Policies

The University of North Dakota is one of 45 colleges now under federal investigation for allegedly using race-based criteria in graduate programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is probing whether partnerships with organizations like The PhD Project violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. UND officials acknowledge the investigation but

Read & Share   sourced from: Grand Forks Herald

Building stronger community through Westman’s Multicultural Festival in Brandon

The Westman Multicultural Festival didn’t just bring cultures together—it turned Brandon into a world tour in three days. With crowds packing into pavilions, a record number of completed passports, and a lineup of food, music, and dance, organizers are calling it a resounding success. The new passport initiative proved a hit, pushing visitors to explore

Read & Share   sourced from: Discover Westman

GOP attorneys general urge Costco to drop diversity policies, cite Trump’s order

A group of 19 Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota’s Drew Wrigley, is urging Costco to reconsider its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. In a letter directed to CEO Ron Vachris, they argue that these practices lead to unlawful discrimination and ask for clarification on the company’s commitment to merit-based treatment. This move comes

Read & Share   sourced from: North Dakota Monitor