Commissioner Jett Shares Update on U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter
MINNEAPOLIS – Today, Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett shared an update about the Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) distributed by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this month.
From the desk of Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett
Minnesota Educators and School Leaders:
You have likely heard about a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), distributed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on February 14, 2025, that communicated a change in the agency’s interpretation of federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), along with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) and the Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison, is assessing the legal and practical implications of this directive.
Like many of you, we have concerns about the letter’s timing, clarity, and potential impact on Minnesota students, educators, and schools. The DCL asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion, and similar efforts, are at odds with longstanding civil rights law. It also announces that ED will begin assessing programs and activities no later than February 28, 2025, with an intent to withhold federal resources from those deemed not in compliance with this new interpretation of civil rights law.
While the Dear Colleague Letter is just that—a letter, which does not carry the full force and effect of law—it has created untenable uncertainty. With that in mind, I’m sharing more information for consideration as you guide our school communities through the ambiguity and confusion brought on by the DCL:
- The DCL by itself is not a civil rights enforcement action, and in its own footnotes, acknowledges that it “does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards” (DCL, page 1, footnote 3).
- Federal civil rights enforcement is governed by federal regulations that require ED to take specific steps before freezing or stopping funding.
- Minnesota state law, including the Minnesota Human Rights Act, prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment in public education on the basis of race, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity, and other identities.
MDE will continue to seek clarity and keep you informed, and as always, we will do so with a focus on ensuring every child—of every background, zip code and ability—has the opportunity to access a world-class education. We will continue that work as planned, in accordance with long-established processes.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting more than 860,000 students across our state.
Commissioner Willie Jett
Minnesota Department of Education
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