AKRON, Ohio — Following a letter to schools from the United States Department of Education, Akron Public Schools (APS) has announced that it is conducting a “strategic review” of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a district press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron Public Schools are conducting a review of their diversity, equity and inclusion programs

  • This comes after a letter from the Department of Education was sent to schools, directing them to "end racial preferences"

  • The district said they will work to create an inclusive environment that also follows the law

  • The district received $85.7 million in federal funding in FY2024

“This review is in direct response to the federal government's directive, which emphasizes compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard Supreme Court decision,” the release reads.

The district says they are committed to an inclusive learning environment that is also compliant with the law. They are working with legal experts to “fully understand and implement the required changes.”

"In recent years, American educational institutions have discriminated against students on the basis of race, including white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families," the Department of Education letter reads. "These institutions’ embrace of pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination have emanated throughout every facet of academia."

The district said it will try to keep disruption to a minimum as they make any changes.

“We are currently assessing board policies and programs to determine what changes may be needed, along with timing, and change management requirements," the release reads.

According to the district, they received more than $73 million in federal funding FY2023 and $85.7 million in FY2024.

"All educational institutions are advised to: (1) ensure that their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights law; (2) cease all efforts to circumvent prohibitions on the use of race by relying on proxies or other indirect means to accomplish such ends; and (3) cease all reliance on third-party contractors, clearinghouses, or aggregators that are being used by institutions in an effort to circumvent prohibited uses of race," the Department of Education letter reads. "Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding." 

The district tells families that they will remain transparent and keep their community informed.

"We are taking a measured and strategic approach to this situation," APS Superintendent Michael Robinson. "Our focus is to ensure that all our students receive a high-quality education in a compliant and inclusive environment, working thoughtfully and transparently while minimizing disruptions."