NAPA, CA — Educational leaders in Napa and Sonoma counties are pushing back against a directive from the Trump administration aimed at dismantling race-specific programs in schools. The U.S. Department of Education issued a letter on February 14, 2025, giving schools nationwide two weeks to comply with a sweeping order to eliminate race-conscious initiatives or face potential cuts to federal funding. However, local officials in both counties are holding firm, refusing to alter policies they argue are essential to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Amie Carter, the Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring that all students feel they belong and are included. “There’s really not a scenario in which we divert from our efforts to ensure all our students feel like they belong and are included in our schools,” Carter stated. While acknowledging the federal directive, Carter reaffirmed that the county’s policies would remain guided by California law, which continues to uphold principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In Napa County, Superintendent Barbara Nemko took a more cautious approach, acknowledging the complexities surrounding the federal directive. In an email to The Press Democrat, Nemko noted that the directive itself concedes it “does not have the force and effect of law.” She indicated that while the directive was concerning, its legal ramifications remain unclear. Nonetheless, she affirmed Napa’s commitment to DEI initiatives, which are seen as crucial to addressing systemic inequities in education.
The Feb. 14 letter from the Department of Education claims that educational institutions have engaged in racial discrimination against white and Asian students, pointing specifically to practices such as race-conscious graduation ceremonies and race-based admissions and hiring. The letter further criticizes DEI programs, accusing schools of “toxic indoctrination” regarding systemic racism in the United States.
In an effort to enforce its stance, the Trump administration also launched an “End DEI” online portal, inviting the public to report incidents of “discrimination based on race or sex” at public schools. Reports submitted through the portal are expected to serve as the foundation for future federal investigations.
However, many experts view the administration’s directive as more of a political maneuver than a legal requirement. Travis Bristol, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an expert on race and gender in education, described the directive as a “scare tactic.” Bristol noted that while the administration is trying to create fear and division, the directive is not a legally binding mandate and should not be interpreted as such. “It’s not something that should be followed at this present moment,” he said.
For local leaders in Napa and Sonoma counties, DEI is far from a political issue. It is a foundational part of their educational strategies. The Napa County Office of Education has made equity one of its six core values, focusing on eliminating systemic barriers and ensuring fair access to opportunities for all students. As part of this mission, the district has introduced a “community of belonging” initiative designed to cultivate cultural awareness and recruit a diverse workforce. This week, the office celebrated Black History Month by hosting a student performance contest centered on the theme “African Americans and Labor.”
In Sonoma County, DEI principles are similarly embedded in the county’s educational framework. The Office of Education’s online resource hub offers guidance on ethnic studies curriculum, strategies for diversifying the teacher workforce, and resources to promote cultural inclusion in the classroom. Carter emphasized that such inclusive policies are not only about fairness but also about improving academic outcomes, reducing bullying, and enhancing student mental health.
Napa Valley Unified School District, the largest in the county with more than 16,000 students, has incorporated DEI as a key goal in its strategic plan. The district introduced its DEI & Talent Plan in 2021, aiming to diversify its workforce and improve educational access for historically underserved communities.
Despite the federal pushback, educational leaders in Napa and Sonoma counties are standing firm in their commitment to fostering inclusive environments. While the Trump administration’s directive has sparked a national debate on the future of DEI programs, local educators continue to advocate for policies that they believe are essential for creating an equitable and welcoming educational experience for all students.