A group of Democrats are calling on the Department of Education to rescind threats of defunding schools with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The Hill received an exclusive look at a letter sent to Denise Carter, the department's acting secretary, and Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights.

The letter, led by Rep. Summer Lee (D-Penn.), criticizes the department for a Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague letter” sent to educational institutions receiving federal funds.

In the Democrats’ letter, legislators argue the Department’s threats are “yet another example of the concerted movement to dismantle educational opportunities for the most marginalized students and deny all students the shared benefits of educational experiences that equip them with the skills to think critically about and thrive in our multiracial and diverse democracy.”

“Schools’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives simply aim to level the playing field and redress the ongoing harms of segregation and centuries of legal inequity, exclusion, and discrimination,” the letter states.

“The programs, curricula, and trainings being targeted by the Office for Civil Rights do not afford any unfair advantages to women and girls, students of color, LGBTQ students, students with........

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