Federal Courts Block DEI Letter Enforcement Threatening K-12 Funding
In a major update, three federal courts have blocked the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing its controversial “Dear Colleague Letter” on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The letter, initially sent in February 2025, warned schools that using race as a factor in scholarships, hiring, or campus activities could lead to the loss of federal funding.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) confirmed that courts in Maryland, New Hampshire, and Washington D.C. have temporarily stopped the Department from implementing these rules, including the new certification requirements introduced later.
This legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by school districts, educators, and civil rights groups. Although enforcement is blocked for now, court proceedings are ongoing.
In response to a federal reminder on April 3, Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten reaffirmed her commitment to a non-discriminatory education system. In her brief statement, she emphasized that the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) remains dedicated to providing quality education in compliance with all federal laws.
Delaware Students Shine in 2025 Bridge Design Competition
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) hosted its sixth-annual Bridge Design Competition at PolyTech High School this April, witnessing a record-breaking participation of 161 teams and nearly 500 students.
The event encouraged students to demonstrate their talents in math, science, and engineering, offering scholarship awards to the top three teams in each grade group.
Winners of the 2025 Bridge Design Competition:
Middle School Division:
- First Place: JOLT, Talley Middle School
- Second Place: Big Brains, Shue-Medill Middle School
- Third Place: The A’s, Georgetown Middle School
Grades 9-10 Division:
- First Place: Golden Gate Warriors, Smyrna High School
- Second Place: BLT Balsa Salsa, Smyrna High School
- Third Place: The Studious Bunch, Polytech High School
Grades 11-12 Division:
- First Place: The Baddest Bridges, Smyrna High School
- Second Place: KJP Builders, Caravel Academy
- Third Place: Pinnacle Princesses, Caesar Rodney High School
This event highlights the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) among Delaware students.
Delaware Department of Education Welcomes Two New Leaders
Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten announced two important leadership appointments on April 22, 2025:
- Denise Carter was named Deputy Secretary for Strategic Initiatives.
- Adam Schott was appointed Associate Secretary for Student Support.
Both Carter and Schott are veteran public servants with impressive federal experience. They join Delaware’s education leadership as the state prepares for its first major overhaul of the school funding formula in over 75 years, shifting towards a student-centered funding model.
About the New Appointments:
Denise Carter brings more than 30 years of federal service experience, having worked at the Federal Student Aid office where she oversaw financial systems, grants, acquisitions, and cybersecurity operations.
Adam Schott is a specialist in education finance and policy, previously serving at the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. At the U.S. Department of Education, he played a critical role in managing the American Rescue Plan’s $122 billion education relief fund.
Both new hires have already started their roles and are positioned to lead critical changes in Delaware’s public education system.
