Florida Department of Education confirms all 83 local education agencies are in full compliance with Title VI requirements
Tallahassee, Florida – In a significant development for Florida’s education system, the Florida Department of Education announced on April 28, 2025, that all 83 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the state have officially certified their compliance with the antidiscrimination requirements outlined in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This certification confirms that every public school district in Florida is adhering to federal regulations that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in educational programs and activities.
This major achievement also marks Florida’s submission of these certifications to the U.S. Department of Education, further solidifying the state’s commitment to upholding the rights of students and teachers. “Florida has led the nation in eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and other discriminatory practices, policies and theories from our schools,” said Manny Diaz, Jr., the Commissioner of Education for Florida. “Florida is the third largest state in the Union and we are proud to say that all of our school districts are not only in compliance with Florida law, but have also voluntarily signed this certification that they are not violating the Title VI rights of our students and teachers.”
The announcement comes as part of Florida’s ongoing efforts to reshape its educational policies under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis. Governor DeSantis has consistently positioned Florida as a national leader in the fight against policies and programs that, according to the state, promote discriminatory practices or divisive concepts. The commitment to eliminating such policies was first solidified with the signing of the Stop WOKE Act in 2022, a legislative measure designed to halt the teaching of controversial theories such as Critical Race Theory (CRT) in K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
By signing the Stop WOKE Act, Governor DeSantis aimed to end the practice of teaching divisive concepts, including those that suggest racism is embedded within American institutions or that individuals should be categorized or judged based on their race. The law has been a cornerstone of the state’s educational reforms, with proponents arguing that it ensures students are not subjected to harmful racial stereotyping or indoctrination.
Building on the Stop WOKE Act, in 2023, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 266 into law. This bill prohibits the use of federal or state funds to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and activities in Florida’s educational institutions. Senate Bill 266 also requires public colleges and universities to eliminate general education courses that promote or endorse theories of systemic racism, sexism, and privilege. The aim is to replace these courses with content that focuses on a more balanced, historically accurate perspective of American history and society.
Further cementing these changes, the Florida State Board of Education has passed a series of additional measures. One such rule permanently bans DEI programs in the Florida College System (FCS). This rule has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of courses labeled as general education, with the State Board approving a new list that represents a 57 percent reduction in courses deemed to focus on divisive or anti-American theories. The revised general education course list is designed to provide students with high-quality foundational knowledge that is essential for success in their academic careers and beyond.
The Florida State Board of Education also approved rule amendments that align with the requirements of House Bill 1291, passed in 2024. These amendments establish new requirements for teacher preparation and school leadership programs, ensuring that educators are not distorting historical events or promoting identity politics. The amendments also prohibit the endorsement of theories that suggest systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in U.S. institutions. The goal is to prepare students for success without the influence of ideologies that some critics argue divide communities based on race or social identity.
“By certifying that all 83 local education agencies are in full compliance with Title VI, Florida is not only upholding its commitment to the principles of fairness and equality but also demonstrating its resolve to protect students from discriminatory practices in the classroom,” said Commissioner Diaz. “These efforts, coupled with the comprehensive changes to state law and educational policies, reflect our broader vision of creating an inclusive educational environment that fosters respect, understanding, and unity among all students.”
The Florida Department of Education’s certification of compliance with Title VI marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing educational reforms. As Florida continues to address issues of discrimination in education, the state is focused on ensuring that all students, regardless of their race or background, have access to an equal and fair education. With these changes, Florida seeks to foster an educational environment that reflects the values of respect, opportunity, and equality for all its residents.
