FCPS says it already complies with Title VI and won’t sign DEI federal compliance

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Officials with Fayette County Public Schools say they will not sign a statewide letter confirming its elimination of DEI initiatives.

FCPS School Board Chair Tyler Murphy says the “Dear Colleague” letter sent by the Department of Education talks about DEI, but without clear or consistent definitions as to what is meant by those terms.

“And so we looked at this and said look we’re a public school, we receive federal funding. As a condition of receiving federal funding every year we affirm and submit assurances that we comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We comply with all federal civil rights legislation and we will continue to do so,” said Murphy.

Murphy adds that they send assurance letters every year. The most recent was sent in September 2024.

Murphy says since they have been in compliance there is no need for them to sign a letter.

“Nothing has changed in law, nothing has changed in regulation and therefore, we’re in compliance. Nothing has changed in our programming.”

Murphy wants to remind people in Fayette County, the system’s first priority is the children.

“Fayette County Public Schools first priority is making sure that we meet the needs of each and every child in our community and the programming that we have is making a difference.”

He adds the school system is not going to change what they’re doing now based on a letter.

Murphy says they have seen no push back from either the Kentucky department of education or the u-s doe.