DEI at a cost: Colorado schools caught in $70M federal freeze
By Shaina Cole | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
Colorado public schools are facing a $70 million funding freeze—part of a broader $6.8 billion nationwide hold triggered by the U.S. Department of Education. At the heart of the conflict are federal objections to DEI and LGBTQIA+ initiatives in schools, which have already led to lawsuits and pushed districts to search for new funding before fall.
The freeze and federal justification
The funding suspension follows executive orders issued by the Trump administration in early 2025. According to a July 2 notice sent to state education departments, the Department of Education is reviewing already-approved funds to ensure they align with new presidential priorities.
Governor Jared Polis responded the same day, calling the act...