The Somerset County Board of Education made history on April 15, 2025 by being the first county in Maryland to sign the Title VI agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, certifying the district’s commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination in its schools, including preferential Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) policies, practices, curriculum, and educational materials.
In the video(link provided) below, the Somerset County Board of Education votes on their compliance after a detailed explanation by their board attorney, Gordana Schifanelli, Esq.:
Letter from the U.S. Department of Education – Title VI Certification
Letter from MSDE to county school districts
Legal briefing on the letters above.
The Somerset County Board of Education didn’t do this for fear of losing federal funding, but as moral obligation of their sworn duty to uphold existing laws that protect citizens without prejudice or partiality. We encourage every county BOE to follow their lead. The deadline to comply with the federal government is April 18, 2025, which every school board must submit their response in order to continue to receive federal funding.
We encourage you to read this article if you are conflicted on this certification:
Key Differences Between Civil Rights Laws & DEI Policies.
Fellows & Editors
April 15, 2025. DelmarvaPTC.org.
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