State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has criticized the U.S. Department of Education’s recent request for states to certify compliance with federal civil rights guidelines, describing it as an overreach and a threat to state autonomy.

Last Thursday, the Department’s Office for Civil Rights asked states to certify their adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Department’s interpretation of the Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College decision. Reykdal said this move is an “attempt to erase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices” that have historically expanded opportunities for students.