Decatur school district reinstates DEI policies after backlash

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - After receiving intense backlash for its decision to walk back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, the City Schools of Decatur Board of Education unanimously voted to restore those policies during a called meeting on Tuesday.

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On April 3, the U.S. Department of Education sent letters to schools saying they would face legal consequences or loss of federal funding if they didn’t scrub DEI initiatives.

A day later, the Decatur school board held a two-minute emergency board meeting to authorize Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker to respond, according to Decaturish, Atlanta News First’s media partner.

The school board said during a meeting on April 15 that it rescinded two policies, “Equity” and “School Board Governance," which mandate equal opportunities and protection from discrimination. Some policies were also amended, including those tackling gender equity in sports and equal opportunity employment.

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“Cowards,” one parent, Lena Kotler, shouted during the meeting. Decatur police officers carried her out of the venue.

“It’s beyond evil that anyone is threatening these programs,” Kotler later told Atlanta News First. “Our children spend a huge chunk of their lives at school, where they develop their sense of self and self-worth. If we stop programs and policies that make those spaces inclusive and safe for everyone, we know what happens.”

On Tuesday, the school board voted unanimously to restore the two policies.

“Equity should be unconditional,” said Reyes Le, a Decatur High School senior and co-president of the student equity team at the high school.

Le said having the policies back is like a weight lifted off his chest.

“Knowing that this is not one of the things I have to worry about, I can leave with one less guilt behind,” Le said.

The reinstatement happened because three federal judges blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funding for schools that kept their diversity programs.

Kotler and Tracey Nance, another mom, said they can happily tell their kids the news, they have been fighting for.

“That when you use your voice you win, even when it feels impossible. 48 hours ago I didn’t think this was going to happen,” said Kotler.

Kotler and Nance said the reinstating of equity policies are a win, but came at a cost.

“This board forfeited a lot of community goodwill and trust,” Nance said. “They bowed down to a political document that was not a law, and we told them that the very first meeting, and they did that out of fear.”

For the moment, the U.S. Department of Education will not be able to withhold federal funding for schools that keep their DEI policies.

Dr. Carmer Sulton, a City Schools of Decatur board member, said she hopes this brings back some trust.

“Hopefully, by bringing those back, we are letting the community know we believe in what they believe in and that the community still feels heard,” Sulton said.

The board said the reinstatement of the polices is effective immediately.