Nebraska Schools Await Federal Guidance on DEI Program Changes
The Nebraska Department of Education, along with K-12 schools in the state, is currently in a holding pattern in response to a federal order concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Despite the directive, Nebraska educational authorities have yet to decide on a course of action, pending further clarity from federal officials.
Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher emphasized the importance of basing decisions on facts rather than conjecture. “We’re going to deal with facts,” Maher stated. “We’re not going to guess to what the ultimate endgame is here, and we’re going to wait to get more information to help us determine what our course of action will be as a state.”
Maher highlighted the department’s efforts to keep school districts well-informed, primarily sharing information rather than implementing changes. Over recent months, the federal government, under President Donald Trump and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, has introduced significant shifts, including a reduction of the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce by half and the signing of an executive order to close the federal education office, potentially reallocating responsibilities for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition to structural changes, the federal department ceased an extension of COVID-19 relief funds, impacting Nebraska’s education budget by $9 million. These funds were part of the $546 million Nebraska received through the American Rescue Plan’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which supported several literacy-focused programs in the state. Despite this setback, literacy remains a priority for the Nebraska education system.
Maher reassured that other funding avenues, including state finances and a $55 million federal grant aimed at enhancing student reading abilities, remain available. “Our focus on literacy, our literacy goals have not changed as a result of anything that’s happened in D.C.,” he confirmed.
During a recent visit to Washington, D.C., Maher met with Secretary McMahon and other education officials, noting McMahon’s composed demeanor. “I’m very hopeful that Secretary McMahon will do great things in that position that she’s in,” Maher remarked.
The staffing reductions at the federal level were evident during Maher’s visit, with about half of the department’s employees laid off in mid-March. Maher expressed confidence in the continued protection of essential federal student services, including those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I programs for low-income students, and Career and Technical Education initiatives.
Maher remains vigilant but cautious, stating, “When you have significant shakeup, the devil is in the details. We’re waiting for more detail from the federal government before we get, I’ll say, too worried.” He acknowledged ongoing efforts to anticipate potential impacts on Nebraska should federal policies shift dramatically.
In the midst of these uncertainties, Maher remains engaged with various student groups across Nebraska, including Career and Technical student organizations, the Future Farmers of America, and SkillsUSA. His interactions with students have left him optimistic. “I think any time we’re around the students and you see how Nebraska students do on performative measures, you’re just impressed,” Maher shared. “I would tell you, as the commissioner, I am full of optimism for the students that we have in this state.”
By way of full disclosure, Brian Maher is a commissioner on Nebraska Public Media’s governing board, NETC.
