Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of Harmful U.S. Department of Education Certification Requirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of a certification requirement from the U.S. Department of Education that threatens schools with a loss of federal funding based on harmful misinterpretations of civil rights laws, threatening Black students' equal access to a quality education.
On April 15, 2025, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), challenged a series of factually and legally inaccurate directives from the Department, including a Feb. 14 "Dear Colleague" letter, a Feb. 28 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, and a certification requirement issued on April 3.
The documents have already caused irreparable harm to the NAACP and its members in violation of their constitutional rights, chilling, or wholly depriving them of lawful efforts to ensure Black students have an equal opportunity to compete for selective programs, have access to inclusive and truthful curricula, and can benefit from programs and policies that foster a sense of belonging. Today, the court ruled that the NAACP's claim that the certification requirement was unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was likely to be successful, and halted enforcement of the certification requirement.
"Our fight is far from over, but today's decision is a victory for Black and Brown students across the country, whose right to an equal education has been directly threatened by this Administration's corrosive actions and misinterpretations of civil rights law," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "We look forward to prevailing against their cruel attempts to undermine the mission of the U.S. Department of Education and relegate children of color, students with disabilities, and poor students to a second-class education in a throwback to the era before Brown v. Board of Education."
"Today's decision affirms our client's argument that the Trump Administration is causing unnecessary and unconstitutional harm to Black and Brown students," said Katrina Feldkamp, Assistant Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. "Every student in this country deserves equal access to a quality education, which must include inclusive and welcoming environments for all. We are thankful the court has granted the NAACP, its members, and parents and students across the country relief from this Administration's attacks on their ability to learn and thrive."
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.