Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grants
In fall 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development sent a Notice of Non-Continuation of Grant Award for the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Grants (FDS) program, which launched in 2023. This amounts to over $25 million in discontinued funds for the recipients, including public school districts in Miami and New York City.
Understanding how courts interpret school policies is essential for today’s educational leaders, especially as issues involving gender identity continue to evolve.
A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Polk v. Montgomery County Public Schools, offers important guidance for school districts navigating the balance between protecting students and respecting the personal beliefs of staff. This blog post breaks down what the Polk decision means for your district and offers practical steps to help ensure your policies remain both legally sound and supportive of all students.