The Rochester Community Schools recent elimination of a diversity, equity and inclusion director position to meet a new Trump administration policy drew mixed reactions from board members and parents.

On April 12, Superintendent Nicholas Russo announced in a letter to district families and staff that they are eliminating the position.. No person was named in the letter and according to the district no one was in the position.

“In order to continue receiving federal funds, the Trump administration has ordered state edudistricts to certify that they are following federal civil rights laws and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs,” Russo wrote. “To avoid a substantial risk, we are discontinuing the position of DEI director so as not to jeopardize the loss of federal funds for our students.”

“I am extremely disappointed that the district was placed in the position to have to make this decision,” Jayson Blake, board secretary, said in a statement. “The district has not violated any federal laws by having a DEI director, nor has any of our programming discriminated by race or any other protected status.”

The board president said the decision was difficult.

“The decision to eliminate the DEI Director position was painful and one that was not taken lightly,” Michelle Bueltel, board president, said in a statement. “Our district’s commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students remains unchanged.”

Rochester appointed its first full-time instructional equity program director in December 2018. Since then, three individuals have filled the role.

According to Russo’s letter, the U.S. Education Department sent a notice on April 3 that the “continued use of illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences.”

According to the district, the DEI director position was created to “investigate, develop and implement programs that ensure students and staff have a high degree of cultural awareness, which includes diversity and inclusion.” The candidate was required to be a certified and experienced educator with a master’s degree and knowledge of culturally responsive teaching.

Trustee Shelley Lauzon did not support the decision nor object to the elimination of the position.

“Superintendent Russo should not have made this decision on his own. It shows a complete lack of respect for the board and the community,” Lauzon said. “Seeing how no one employed by RCS has been able to articulate what DEI is or what it does, it is hard to see how eliminating a six-figure central office job with no tangible metrics can be a bad decision.”

Rochester parent Laurin Gracey-Parker was disappointed in the district not standing up to the federal education department’s threat of withholding funds and the district’s unilateral decision to cut the position

“RCS’s decision to eliminate the DEI position without significant scrutiny or legal challenge speaks volumes to whether it truly believed in creating an inclusive environment for all students,” said Gracey-Parker. “I understand that decision may eventually have to be made regarding language, but it is disappointing to see the district comply in advance rather than provide some resistance or have the patience to let the legal process play out.”

Russo said the district would be in danger of losing over $10 million in grants, contracts and other funding if it did not comply.

To provide context, the district offered examples of what $10 million pays for annually. These items are not part of threatened cuts:

Districtwide transportation services ($9.7 million) Approximately 77 full-time certified instructional staff ($10 million) Special education services subsidized by the district’s general fund ($9 million) Classroom instructional technology ($6 million) and the district’s athletics program ($3 million)

“To be clear, we are confident that Rochester Community Schools has not violated any federal or state laws,” Russo said. “The work that we do is not reflective of one person or position. Instead, it relies on a collaborative culture where every member of our organization has a role and all students have an opportunity to meet their full potential.”

According to the district, the DEI director job description included:

• Cultivating a collaborative and inclusive culture that seeks to coach and empower all staff to deepen their knowledge

• Supporting curriculum development and instructional practices that are culturally responsive

• Working closely with human resources to enhance a diverse workforce, improve job satisfaction and support staff well-being

• Developing communication systems to share best practices, highlight bright spots and keep staff apprised of key initiatives and activities

•Utilizing best practices to ensure opportunity and access for all

Former school board member Andrew Weaver, who served a single term on the board and lost reelection in 2024, was in favor of the move, but said the district could still not be in complete compliance.

“While eliminating a six-figure central office position without tangible metrics is a positive and necessary first step toward financial accountability, your message leaves major concerns unaddressed,” he said in an email response to Russo. “Eliminating one position does not erase the broader activities and frameworks that fall under DEI. Ignoring this reality places our students and district in jeopardy.”

Farmington and Royal Oak, the other Oakland County districts with the same position, — have not made decisions about how to respond to the threatened cuts in federal aid..

According to the education department website, DEI-related online content has been removed, guidance materials archived, and employees leading DEI initiatives placed on administrative leave. The department’s rationale is to prioritize “meaningful learning” and end discrimination and harmful race stereotypes.