GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Green Bay Area Public School Board voted Monday to revise job descriptions related to equity, multicultural engagement, and inclusion after the Trump administration warned of potential federal funding freezes for K-12 programs.
The decision includes changing the district’s “Director of Engagement and Inclusion” to “Director of Engagement” and removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from the position’s responsibilities.
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A Feb. 14, 2025, letter from acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor cited Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, warning that schools could lose federal funding if they did not comply with certain changes.
“This letter uses the explicit threat of withholding federal funds if certain demands are not met, specifically removing and curtailing reference to the term diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Trustee Rick Crosson, who voted against the measure.
School board Treasurer Andrew Becker also opposed the decision, arguing that a clearer, more actionable threat was needed.
“I fully respect those who feel that a yes is necessary because the risk at this moment in time is too great, but there’s also a risk of folding at the first sign of a political threat,” Becker said.
Trustee Kou Lee echoed those concerns, saying the move went against the values that led him to run for office.
“We have an inclusive culture here in Green Bay where, no matter where you look, we are all Americans,” Lee said. “But somehow, this note—along with what we have with this new administration—has this idea of cleansing, using all the people as your targets. That’s really not American to me, and that’s not what I stand for.”
Those who voted in favor of the measure acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.
“For the first time in three years, I am going to vote contrary to my values,” said Vice President James Lyerly. “The federal government’s threat to withhold federal aid that supports our most vulnerable children is a factor that I cannot ignore.”
Trustee Lynn Gerlach agreed, expressing frustration with the federal government’s stance but ultimately supporting the measure as a practical response.
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“It will be against my values and my best judgment. However, I support our superintendent and our senior staff in having the best response to this awful kind of thing,” Gerlach said. “I just want to say publicly that I deplore the behavior we have been witnessing throughout our country.”
The motion passed 4-3.
