News Brief
Monday, February 9, 2026 — 10:04 am
The U.S. Department of Education cannot make $4.9 billion in funding to California contingent on following the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, according to an agreement California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Friday.
California co-led a lawsuit against the Trump administration and said it would refuse to comply with the directive in response to a letter issued in April.
“This was never about fighting discrimination; it was about bullying states like California into abandoning lawful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,” Bonta said in a statement. “But our children’s education is not a bargaining chip. I’m pleased that, with today’s agreement, we are closing the book on this fight once and for all.”
The $4.9 billion California receives from the federal government plays a key role in funding for low-income students, students with disabilities and foster youth. And it helps provide programs for non-English speakers to learn English and supports schools in recruiting and retaining teachers.
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