AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Public Schools Board of Education continued the process of changing its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies ahead of Friday's federal deadline. 

In a special meeting of the school board's equity committee, board members began deconstruction of six DEI policies to comply with federal directives. 

Among the changes discussed Wednesday night were editing language in the equity policy and repealing the school district's racial equity policy. 

Board President Carla Jackson said while there will be changes to DEI in Akron Public Schools, the commitment to all students will remain the same. 

"It was impossible to keep diversity, equity and inclusion policies still in tact and still adhere to federal regulations. So we really had to deconstruct the policy and make sure we take anything out that spoke specifically to DEI and just make sure that we're doing good work that supports all students," Jackson said. 

Public schools and universities across the Buckeye State and the rest of the county have until Friday to end DEI work or risk losing significant funding.