America First Legal is accusing Upper Arlington Schools of discrimination for the district's diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
The conservative public interest group sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights calling for an investigation of the district.
The letter, dated April 29, 2025, claims the Upper Arlington Schools district "engages in discriminatory DEI practices.”
It says the district has a Chief Talent Officer whose job is to foster workforce diversity. It points to a report from UA Superintendent Robert Hunt that calls for a clear vision for DEI initiatives and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ students. The letter also references the district’s 2030 strategic plan, which recommends infusing diversity and equity in the curriculum.
The America First Legal letter quotes guidance from the Trump administration.
“DEI programs are unlawful ‘if they intentionally discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in their programs or activities,” it reads. “Many schools have advanced racially discriminatory policies and practices under the banner of DEI initiatives.”
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A spokeswoman said Upper Arlington Schools have not responded directly to America First Legal.
In a May 5 statement on its website, the district says America First Legal’s letter “accuses the district of ‘illegal DEI policies,’ but fails to identify any specific practices or policies that are actually in place in the district.”
Hunt said in a written response to WOSU Wednesday that any policies in place at the district are meant to support every student.
“The district is not aware of any policy or program that violates Title VI. We are committed to supporting all of our students in the confines of the law,” Hunt wrote.
The district’s original statement noted that if the U.S. Office of Civil Rights opens an investigation in response to America First Legal’s letter, Upper Arlington Schools will cooperate.
As of Wednesday, the Office of Civil Rights had not begun an investigation. There are currently three pending civil rights cases against Upper Arlington Schools. Each of the cases are related to disabilities, and all of them were filed on July 5, 2023.
