Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced today that Connecticut’s State Department of Education (CSDE) has responded to the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDOE) recent inquiry about Title VI compliance. Connecticut has decided not to sign the requested letter, affirming that the state “already does and will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
The CSDE regularly confirms its compliance with federal program requirements to ensure continued federal funding. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Connecticut also certify their compliance with Title VI each year, as part of their applications for federal financial assistance.
Governor Lamont emphasized Connecticut’s dedication to diversity in education. “We’re proud to support the incredible diversity of our schools and work tirelessly to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education,” he said. “From inspiring educators to our nationally recognized curriculum, we will continue doing what makes our students, teachers, and schools successful.”
In its response to the USDOE’s Office for Civil Rights, Connecticut stated that it remains committed to protecting students from discrimination. The letter confirmed the state’s ongoing alignment with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Commissioner Russell-Tucker added, “We will continue building on the collective efforts of educators, families, and communities to create learning environments where every student is valued and supported. Our focus remains on ensuring that all 508,402 students in Connecticut have access to a world of opportunities.”
Connecticut also works to foster safe and supportive learning environments through initiatives like the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), which aims to reduce chronic absenteeism and close the opportunity gap by improving engagement between students, teachers, and families. Over the years, the state has also surpassed the goal set by the State Board of Education to increase the number of educators of color by 10%. Connecticut continues to implement policies that reflect the diversity of its students.
