Story perspectives

Education Department Warns Schools Against Race-Based Discipline

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Education Department told schools not to consider race in discipline policies, calling it race discrimination.
The department issued an August 18, 2026 “Dear Colleague” letter stating Title VI and the Constitution forbid intentional race-based discipline.
It also repealed a 60-year-old rule that allowed disparate-impact liability for school discipline.
Eric Duncan, EdTrust director of P-12 policy, warned the guidance ignores race and harms Black students.

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Story summary

U.S. Education Department told schools not to consider race in discipline policies, calling it race discrimination.
The department issued an August 18, 2026 “Dear Colleague” letter stating Title VI and the Constitution forbid intentional race-based discipline.
It also repealed a 60-year-old rule that allowed disparate-impact liability for school discipline.
Eric Duncan, EdTrust director of P-12 policy, warned the guidance ignores race and harms Black students.