Hands off our Schools: Say no to Trump’s Rules!

We organized. We pushed back. And within hours, the AOE pivoted—now saying they’ll sign the Trump Title VI certification themselves instead of forcing districts to do it. The Department of Education granted a 10-day extension (until April 24th) for states to submit their certification.

But that’s not enough.

This directive still threatens DEI in our schools. We know even if we indicate that we will follow current law and vow to protect DEI, any compliance will lead to full compliance….Tell Secretary Saunders: RESCIND the directive. Full stop.

No soft compliance. No toeing the line.

“Our kids deserve bold, unwavering protection.” - Mia Schultz, Rutland NAACP

Want to learn more about what’s happening and what the recent action by the AOE means for us? Please check out this detailed FAQ.

What we are demanding:

1. Say No to the Federal Certification.
   The AOE must reject the new federal interpretation of Title VI and involve equity leaders in all communication with the U.S. Department of Education. Stand up and say no to this certification like New York did. 

2. Stand Up for DEI in Vermont.
   The AOE should publicly reaffirm its commitment to equity, anti-racism, and culturally responsive education—especially what's required under Act 1 and the new Education Quality Standards.

3. Engage the Community.
   Decisions about federal policies must include input from educators, students, families, and equity leaders—not happen behind closed doors.

4. Protect Vulnerable Students.
   Instead of pulling back, Vermont must expand support for students most at risk—like students with disabilities, students of color, immigrants and linguistically diverse students,LGBQ+ youth and transgender youth, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness.

5. Defend Equity and the Law.
   The Attorney General must confirm that DEI is legal in Vermont and protect educators from threats to their jobs or values.

Actions you can take right now:

1. Youth Social Media Campaign: Students from across the state came together to launch a social media campaign, beginning with a video that can be found at @vsarn802 on Instagram or here (Video on Facebook)(Flyer). We need your help to uplift the video and content! Through the VSARN account, we’ll also be hosting an Instagram Live on Thursday, April 10th at 3pm EST to answer all of your questions about the current situation and future of education in Vermont - from the youth perspective. We hope to see you there, and keep up to date with our Instagram for more updates. If you are a student, reach out to addie@vsarn.org and aaliyahwiburn06@gmail.com to be involved in content creation. 

2. Rally at the Agency of Education on Wednesday April 9 at 4pm: See this doc for details.

3. Join a statewide Walk-in on Thursday! Toolkit Here!

4. Letter Campaign: Contact the Secretary of Education and stakeholders to say no to Trump’s rules. Join our letter campaign here.  If you’ve already sent letters, send them again with the updated demands—now is the time to double down.

5. Call Campaign: Contact Governor Scott and Secretary Zoie Saunders to say we won't comply with this unnecessary and intentionally misleading certification (sample call script).

6. Spread the Word: Tell everyone you know what you have learned and urge them to do the same.

7. Stay tuned for more actions.

Learn More

• ED Requires K-12 School Districts to Certify Compliance with Title VI and Students v. Harvard as a Condition of Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

• VT AOE FED UPDATES 

• Request for Certification from AOE 

• AOE Office of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Letter

• NY letter to US DOE

• Democratic-Led Cities, States Push Back on Trump’s Threats to Cut School Funding Over DEI

• See Which States Are Telling Trump Their Schools Don’t Use ‘Illegal’ DEI

• Zoie Saunders tells feds Vermont schools will continue DEI

Updated April 9th