April 17, 2025
Dear CH-UH Staff and Families,
As we shared with you this morning, all public school districts in Ohio have until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, April 18, to either sign a certification letter stating that they are not engaging in any “illegal DEI practices,” or risk losing federal funding. The Board of Education met this evening to discuss this certification request from the state and consider a related resolution.
After discussion, the Board voted to adopt this resolution, affirming compliance with the law and commitment to a non-discriminatory learning environment. In accordance with the resolution, Board President Lewis was authorized to sign this certification on behalf of the Board in lieu of the one given to us by the state, affirming the District’s current and continued compliance with Title VI and its implementing regulations. Unless tomorrow’s deadline is extended or otherwise no longer in effect, the certification will be sent to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce per the instructions given with their original certification letter.
The resolution also notes that the District will not waive its rights related to the enforcement of the government’s certification, because the legal precedent that the federal government cites (SFFA v. Harvard) is related to higher education institutions and does not discuss K-12 schools. Furthermore, the federal government has not defined “diversity, equity, and inclusion practices” or stated which practices violate federal law.
Finally, we want to close with these words, the CH-UH City School District’s Vision:
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools educate students by embracing diversity, ensuring equitable experiences and fostering outstanding teaching and learning to develop academically prepared critical thinkers who contribute positively and compete successfully in the world.
We proudly stand by this vision, and we know you do too. It is who we are as Tiger Nation. We will continue to fulfill our purpose of educating and supporting all children who come through our doors. Thank you again for your support.
Sincerely,
Liz Kirby, CH-UH City School District Superintendent
Malia Lewis, CH-UH Board of Education President