Bye-bye DEI: Las Vegas schools stood up to federal pressure — and won

By Erica Neely  

Nevada News and Views

Clark County School District (CCSD), one of the largest school districts in the country, just made a big move that’s making waves across Nevada and beyond.

On July 29, the school board voted to update its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, but this wasn’t just about tweaking some paperwork.

The decision lines up with a 2023 Nevada state law, Senate Bill 124 (SB 124), and pushes back on federal DEI mandates that many parents and conservative lawmakers see as overreach.

In plain terms, Clark County is saying: “We’ll follow our own rules, not Washington’s.”

What’s Changing?

The new policy removes mandatory DEI training for teachers and staff. If someone wants to take the training, they still can, but it’s no longer required for employment or career advancement.

The district will also review classroom materials to make sure lessons stick to core subjects like math, reading, and history, not political or ideological themes.

Parents will now have a bigger voice too. The district added ways for families to look at lesson plans and weigh in.

That’s a big deal for parents who feel like they’ve been left out of decisions about what their kids are learning.

In a district that serves more than 300,000 students, these changes are no small thing.

Why Did They Do It?

A big reason is Nevada’s SB 124. This law, signed by Governor Joe Lombardo, says DEI programs in public schools must be optional, not forced, and must stay focused on education, not ideology.

It came after concerns from parents and lawmakers who believed some DEI programs were pushing political views, like critical race theory or gender identity lessons, without enough transparency.

Groups like Moms for Liberty and Nevada Parents’ Rights in Education have been speaking up about this for over a year.

They say parents should have the final say in what their kids learn and that schools should stick to teaching, not activism.

A Bigger Conservative Win

Federal DEI rules (especially those tied to grant money) are a way for Washington to control local schools. If a district wants the money, they often have to agree to DEI requirements.

Critics call that a form of coercion.

Now, CCSD is setting a different example: follow the law Nevada passed, not conditions handed down by the federal government.

Enter the Critics

Some teachers’ groups and progressive activists say DEI programs help address gaps in the system and support students from different backgrounds.

They point to achievement gaps between white and black students as a reason to keep equity programs in place.

But supporters of the new policy say focusing on real academics — especially in a state ranked near the bottom in reading and math — is the best way to help all kids succeed, no matter their background.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Clark County’s vote is likely to inspire other school districts, especially in states with conservative leadership. It’s also a sign that parents are taking a more active role in shaping what happens inside classrooms.

With more families pushing back against federal mandates and asking for transparency, this could be the beginning of a bigger national shift.

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Erica Neely is a grassroots advocate, small business owner, director, community leader, and founder of the Hispanic Latin Alliance. Deeply rooted in family values, she is passionate about empowering her community and driving meaningful change.