NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has made significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following an executive order from former President Donald Trump. The changes, which include a rebranding of the district’s DEI office and the removal of several DEI-focused webpages, are part of the district’s efforts to comply with new federal guidelines that tie school funding to certification of adherence to anti-DEI policies.
Earlier this month, President Trump imposed a directive requiring school districts to certify that they do not implement DEI programs, or risk losing federal funding. In response to this directive, MNPS confirmed it has adjusted its policies to align with the new federal guidelines.
In a statement, the district explained that it has taken “proactive steps” to ensure its initiatives are in line with its core mission while navigating the changing landscape. As part of these changes, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was rebranded as the Office of Student Success and Opportunity.
“To that end, we have re-envisioned our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as the Office of Student Success and Opportunity — work that began prior to any Executive Order,” the district said. “This updated name more accurately reflects the core of our work: ensuring every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive — regardless of background or circumstance.”
Despite the shift, some references to DEI principles remain, notably at Werner Elementary School. The school’s website still emphasizes its commitment to hiring a diverse staff and promoting inclusivity, with a motto that states, “Diversity studies, equity is different from equal, and inclusion the desire to belong is a basic human need.”
Additionally, the district has removed its “Equity Roadmap” from the website and no longer lists it as a “signature initiative.” While the district has claimed that these changes were part of a broader re-evaluation of its policies and were not solely prompted by the executive order, the timing suggests a clear response to the federal directive.
School districts that fail to comply with the new federal standards face the potential loss of Title I funding, which provides crucial support to schools in low-income areas. In response to concerns over compliance, MNPS emphasized its commitment to abiding by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
“We are reviewing and will continue to review our existing policies and practices with legal counsel to ensure we are meeting the needs of the students we serve while acting in accordance with new state laws or federal guidance that apply to the district and do not conflict with other legal requirements,” MNPS said in its statement.
The Tennessee Department of Education expressed support for schools in navigating the changes to federal policies but did not confirm whether MNPS had officially submitted its certification of compliance.
For its part, MNPS has insisted that its commitment to student success remains unchanged. “Our commitment to students remains steadfast — we will continue to advocate for what they need to succeed,” the district concluded in its statement.
The reconfiguration of DEI efforts in Metro Nashville Public Schools represents a microcosm of the broader national debate over the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public education, one that has sparked fierce discussions about federal oversight and the future direction of educational policy.
