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TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in issuing legal guidance to K-12 schools and higher education institutions on the legality and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies.

The move comes in response to a Trump administration executive order and a U.S. Department of Education letter that raised concerns about diversity-related programs. The coalition’s guidance asserts that existing legal precedents supporting such initiatives remain intact despite federal directives.

“New Jersey’s schools are among the top-ranked in our country precisely because they embrace our state’s great diversity,” Platkin said, vowing to fight any attempt to withhold school funding over DEIA efforts.

The guidance clarifies that the Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. Harvard ruling does not prohibit institutions from outreach and recruitment efforts aimed at broadening applicant diversity, as long as they do not grant admissions preference based on race.

It also provides recommendations for K-12 schools to foster inclusive learning environments.

Platkin joins attorneys general from 14 other states and the District of Columbia in pushing back against federal actions they say misinterpret legal limits on diversity initiatives in education.

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