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FIRST ON FOX: A legal group supportive of former President Trump has called for a federal investigation into the Upper Arlington School District in Columbus, Ohio. The organization, America First Legal, claims the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are unlawful and in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.
The complaint alleges that the Upper Arlington School District adopted DEI policies starting in 2020, citing evidence from the district’s own communications. These policies align with the national trend during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, which prompted many institutions to rethink their approach to equity in education.
The legal action claims, “In June 2020, amid the peak of societal unrest, the Upper Arlington School Board succumbed to demands from Black Lives Matter and began implementing what can be viewed as discriminatory DEI policies within the district.” The complaint highlights several changes made by the school board, including the creation of the position of Chief Talent Officer aimed at enhancing workforce diversity.
Additionally, the district established an Equity Advisory Board focused on recruiting a diverse staff and created a Chief Excellence and Engagement Officer role to lead DEI efforts. These moves, according to the complaint, represent a troubling shift in how the district operates.
The complaint further contends that the DEI advocacy did not cease after 2020. It references a district report indicating a persistent need for a clear approach to DEI initiatives and support for LGBTQIA+ students. Notably, the report also described those opposing DEI efforts as “negative voices,” a characterization that raises eyebrows about the district’s inclusivity claims.
Central to the complaint is a
