State has offered scholarships to some racial groups and excluded others, in violation of federal law, but has certified compliance. It's now amending the law despite its defiant public stance.
Another fine piece of writing on why the state of Oregon has such a back water liberal government bureaucracy that's not of the people but an ideological political party.
Trying to figure out why Tina Kotek thinks all Oregonian support her, in fact, there are many people who dislike her intensely and do not agree with any of her opinions. The only reason she is governor is becauseof DEI, because she checks all the boxes, because she’s a woman and a lesbian. Her position as governor has nothing to do with competency because she is a totally incompetent person
She's governor because Christine Drazan was a mediocre candidate and people in the center were too afraid of her being elected to vote for Betsy Johnson. Our one-party-state problem is the consistent inability of Republicans in this state to abandon the culture wars and focus on being credible opposition to the Democratic Party. If they did, I can guarantee the Democratic Party in Oregon would be forced to move to the mainstream... which would be good for all of us.
The ultimate accountability will occur when Oregon loses $1.2 billion in federal taxpayer payer, and then has to explain to Oregon taxpayers how to make up this difference. Perhaps that will be a turning point for the political monopoly in this state...
Like I quoted a while back the well known axiom “ keep feeding your enemy rope and eventually they will hang themselves”. Perfect example is our latest federal elections
Let’s break this down like adults. ODE’s 5-page response to the U.S. Department of Education sounds official, but behind the legal jargon and moral posturing is a glaring truth:
ODE is dodging the real issue: accountability.
They claim they've already certified compliance with Title VI — but that’s not the point. The new request is about certifying they aren’t violating federal civil rights laws through discriminatory DEI practices — now, under this administration’s definition, not what they “said” back in 2023.
That’s like showing an old receipt and insisting you already paid for a new meal.
---
Here’s what they got wrong (or deliberately spun):
1. “We already comply with Title VI.”
That’s a half-truth. Title VI compliance isn't just a box you check once and walk away from. If your DEI programs now include race-based policies — like staff hiring preferences, affinity spaces, or segregated training — you may no longer be in compliance, even if you were before.
2. “This request is vague and burdensome.”
Translation: We don’t want to be held accountable for how we’ve twisted DEI into something political. The request is actually simple: certify you’re not using taxpayer dollars to favor one race or identity group over another. If that’s truly what you’re doing, just say so.
3. “There’s no law against DEI.”
Correct — unless DEI crosses into discrimination, which it often does. The courts have ruled repeatedly: you can’t fight discrimination by discriminating, no matter how noble the intention.
4. “This is politically motivated.”
That’s rich coming from an agency that has used millions of federal dollars to push frameworks, trainings, and mandates around identity politics while Oregon students rank dead last in 4th grade reading and math. That’s not political?
---
Bottom line:
ODE’s letter isn’t a legal argument — it’s a stall tactic wrapped in defiance. It reads like a department more concerned with protecting its bureaucratic image than fixing education. If there’s nothing to hide, why fight transparency? Why not welcome the opportunity to prove your DEI initiatives are truly fair and legal?
Oregonians deserve better than spin and stonewalling.
You are incorrect in some regards. The People voted many times over the past decade, no sales tax. Then Democrats got elected and formed an oligarchy in Salem. As a group, they then created a sales tax (given it a fun sounding name, privilege tax). Even though the People own taxation laws in Oregon, when the Dems got supreme control, as they do now, they can override the Constitution. So The People said no. But they also voted enough non democratic principled people who then override the will of The People.
Ah yes, the privilege tax. All taxes are good as long as “you” are not the one paying them! Taxes are absolutely beautiful if a single group that you hate (the Rich), are the “only” ones paying them!
They may not graduate being able to read, write or make change for a dollar but they'll have full command of their pronouns, intersectionality and victim hierarchy
Kendall you stated it perfectly. Don’t forget the state dumbed down the criteria to graduate from high school so that they could all graduate and only be employable in minimum wage jobs. Then we have to keep increasing the minimum wage because they can’t live on it.
I was always under the impression minimum wage jobs were entry level for high school and college students. They weren’t meant to be career choices.
“Tina Kotek in a statement: “Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values.”
Tina, Is treating people differently based on their skin color an Oregon value? And if it is, do we really want to “safeguard it? Sounds like racism to me.
When I was a struggling undergrad, at PSU, in the 2000's, with a teen daughter to raise as a single mother, I was eligible for NO scholarships but ONE. The "Diversity scholarship" due to my AGE.
The woman who determined who got it? An obese light-skinned, very pretty black woman who weighed over 400 pounds and covered her face in an inch of cosmetics. And she did NOT like me. She was one of those black women who despise white WOMEN. Her husband was white of course, but she HATED white women and made that very clear. I would hear her in the advising office, always bitching about what racists white WOMEN were and how awful they were, TO other white women, who took her hateful comments like the masochists they were.
She couldn't even hide her contempt. I spent a term begging professors to write letters of recommendation. Most said they were "too busy" but three of my best and nicest professors did write the letters, and it was funny, because they were all MEN.
I submitted the application, knowing Wonder Woman would deny me. And she did. That was the last time I wasted the time thinking I would ever be treated fairly. I was expected to just carry on, with very little support, because of the hue of my skin. There is a lot wrong with how scholarships are given out. I support most of them, but white folks need help too, and rarely get it -- just a lot of passive-aggressive, micro-aggression, masked as holding "privileged" people "accountable."
I graduated, having dealt with the AGEISM of many much younger professors, mostly young men and older women professors. There were so many times I wanted to quit. I never made the mistake of applying for a scholarship again. It's all about who fits the boxes and who the administration know and like. God forbid you might be a middle-aged white woman, single mother, because if you are, you can just drop dead. LOL...
You can be even more proud of your accomplishments because of the hardships you have overcome, I can only imagine how angry you must have been when you were treated this way. IThe same goes for all the minority men and women who suffered the same discrimination at the hands of white people in positions of authority. We are all heading into tomorrow together and hopefully we will have learned from the trials we have endured! We all want the same things and we need to continue to work to assure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. I always enjoy your writing and will now value it even more knowing what you have achieved in the face of blatant discrimination.
Oh, I agree on that, when you reference people of color being discriminated. There were several times when I saw some really awful micro-aggression from white instructors and students toward students of color, one older black women in particular was treated horribly by this poetry girl who ripped her poem to shreds. I was so angry I left class early, following the black woman who was the first to leave. I followed her into the hallway and told her how much I enjoyed her poem. She had been crushed and was almost in tears. It was a hard thing to witness, but when someone is critiquing a work, no one is supposed to say anything. It's one of the rules of 'work-shopping.'
Then I went to the computer lab, and wrote a scathing email to the instructor, telling her that Jennifer and her treatment of Shirley was absolutely cruel. This would have been in about 2008.. a while ago. Mostly, I was treated like crap because I was older and overweight. I did have to face a lot of adversity, but was always a strong A, B student. I was determined. LOL... thanks Tim. :)
If "...the Oregon Department of Education refused to certify it is in compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent,..."
and if
"...Oregon appears to have suddenly realized it’s on legal thin ice, having spent the past month scrubbing Title VI-violating language from an existing Oregon law and numerous bills moving through its ongoing legislative session."
then it seems to me that Oregon is quietly complying by removing the language, but refusing to publicly bend the knee and admit that they have, in fact, complied.
The overused cliche "performative" leaps readily to mind.
irony: the state of Oregon was founded by racists, and since Title VI has become racist once again, though now it is discriminating solely against the caucasian race.
We need to leave the racism of 150 years ago out of this. We have far too many wonderful men and women of color in our community who have succeeded because they did the hard work required, to be continually forced to listen to the screeching voices of those who continue to blame their unhappiness on others.
So I receive a ticket for exceeding a speed limit. I tell the judge 'I already paid that fine in 2023, here's my receipt'. Think that will wash?
Time for Oregon to lose federal dollars, if I can't keep Salem from taking more of my income the least I can hope for is diverting my federal dollars from supporting this failed legislature.
Another fine piece of writing on why the state of Oregon has such a back water liberal government bureaucracy that's not of the people but an ideological political party.
Not “Liberal” but *progressive* bureaucracy. It’s a very important distinction that *needs* to be made if we are going to save Oregon.
People on The Left need to understand how far Democrats have moved away from American Foundations. They need to *return* to Liberalism.
Yep, I see very little liberal thinking in Portland. I do see lots of intolerant illiberals though.
Like I said, back water.
Trying to figure out why Tina Kotek thinks all Oregonian support her, in fact, there are many people who dislike her intensely and do not agree with any of her opinions. The only reason she is governor is becauseof DEI, because she checks all the boxes, because she’s a woman and a lesbian. Her position as governor has nothing to do with competency because she is a totally incompetent person
I'm gay and I think Tina Kotek and her missus give lesbians a bad name.
Add most common sense Oregonians.
She's governor because Christine Drazan was a mediocre candidate and people in the center were too afraid of her being elected to vote for Betsy Johnson. Our one-party-state problem is the consistent inability of Republicans in this state to abandon the culture wars and focus on being credible opposition to the Democratic Party. If they did, I can guarantee the Democratic Party in Oregon would be forced to move to the mainstream... which would be good for all of us.
Yep if Drazen said she was pro-choice and stood up to the Trumpers (even a little) she would be our governor right now.
Thank you for your hard work reporting facts to the people
The ultimate accountability will occur when Oregon loses $1.2 billion in federal taxpayer payer, and then has to explain to Oregon taxpayers how to make up this difference. Perhaps that will be a turning point for the political monopoly in this state...
Like I quoted a while back the well known axiom “ keep feeding your enemy rope and eventually they will hang themselves”. Perfect example is our latest federal elections
Kotek does her best George Wallace impersonation, standing in the schoolhouse door. “Alabama values” in 1963, “Oregon values” in 2025.
A Reality Check for ODE’s Letter to the Feds
Let’s break this down like adults. ODE’s 5-page response to the U.S. Department of Education sounds official, but behind the legal jargon and moral posturing is a glaring truth:
ODE is dodging the real issue: accountability.
They claim they've already certified compliance with Title VI — but that’s not the point. The new request is about certifying they aren’t violating federal civil rights laws through discriminatory DEI practices — now, under this administration’s definition, not what they “said” back in 2023.
That’s like showing an old receipt and insisting you already paid for a new meal.
---
Here’s what they got wrong (or deliberately spun):
1. “We already comply with Title VI.”
That’s a half-truth. Title VI compliance isn't just a box you check once and walk away from. If your DEI programs now include race-based policies — like staff hiring preferences, affinity spaces, or segregated training — you may no longer be in compliance, even if you were before.
2. “This request is vague and burdensome.”
Translation: We don’t want to be held accountable for how we’ve twisted DEI into something political. The request is actually simple: certify you’re not using taxpayer dollars to favor one race or identity group over another. If that’s truly what you’re doing, just say so.
3. “There’s no law against DEI.”
Correct — unless DEI crosses into discrimination, which it often does. The courts have ruled repeatedly: you can’t fight discrimination by discriminating, no matter how noble the intention.
4. “This is politically motivated.”
That’s rich coming from an agency that has used millions of federal dollars to push frameworks, trainings, and mandates around identity politics while Oregon students rank dead last in 4th grade reading and math. That’s not political?
---
Bottom line:
ODE’s letter isn’t a legal argument — it’s a stall tactic wrapped in defiance. It reads like a department more concerned with protecting its bureaucratic image than fixing education. If there’s nothing to hide, why fight transparency? Why not welcome the opportunity to prove your DEI initiatives are truly fair and legal?
Oregonians deserve better than spin and stonewalling.
Oregonians deserve exactly what they voted for, nothing less, nothing more.
Problem is, the Democrat vote always overrules the sane vote and the sane have to make the best of it.
You are incorrect in some regards. The People voted many times over the past decade, no sales tax. Then Democrats got elected and formed an oligarchy in Salem. As a group, they then created a sales tax (given it a fun sounding name, privilege tax). Even though the People own taxation laws in Oregon, when the Dems got supreme control, as they do now, they can override the Constitution. So The People said no. But they also voted enough non democratic principled people who then override the will of The People.
Randall,
Ah yes, the privilege tax. All taxes are good as long as “you” are not the one paying them! Taxes are absolutely beautiful if a single group that you hate (the Rich), are the “only” ones paying them!
So sad, but so true! In my personal opinion we are doomed !
So ODE is bunkering up to protect their charges
They may not graduate being able to read, write or make change for a dollar but they'll have full command of their pronouns, intersectionality and victim hierarchy
Kendall you stated it perfectly. Don’t forget the state dumbed down the criteria to graduate from high school so that they could all graduate and only be employable in minimum wage jobs. Then we have to keep increasing the minimum wage because they can’t live on it.
I was always under the impression minimum wage jobs were entry level for high school and college students. They weren’t meant to be career choices.
Who'd of thought it Mississippi is # 1 with Texas and Louisiana close behind while we're 50th of 50.
Oregon is going to need to lose its federal funding.
“Tina Kotek in a statement: “Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values.”
Tina, Is treating people differently based on their skin color an Oregon value? And if it is, do we really want to “safeguard it? Sounds like racism to me.
Stop all federal funding to ultra-liberal Oregon until they comply and also sick AG on Oregon for discriminatory practices.
State of Oregon + libtards + ODE = they are going to screw it up as usual.
It is funny to watch the bureaucratic welfare class think they are in charge.
When I was a struggling undergrad, at PSU, in the 2000's, with a teen daughter to raise as a single mother, I was eligible for NO scholarships but ONE. The "Diversity scholarship" due to my AGE.
The woman who determined who got it? An obese light-skinned, very pretty black woman who weighed over 400 pounds and covered her face in an inch of cosmetics. And she did NOT like me. She was one of those black women who despise white WOMEN. Her husband was white of course, but she HATED white women and made that very clear. I would hear her in the advising office, always bitching about what racists white WOMEN were and how awful they were, TO other white women, who took her hateful comments like the masochists they were.
She couldn't even hide her contempt. I spent a term begging professors to write letters of recommendation. Most said they were "too busy" but three of my best and nicest professors did write the letters, and it was funny, because they were all MEN.
I submitted the application, knowing Wonder Woman would deny me. And she did. That was the last time I wasted the time thinking I would ever be treated fairly. I was expected to just carry on, with very little support, because of the hue of my skin. There is a lot wrong with how scholarships are given out. I support most of them, but white folks need help too, and rarely get it -- just a lot of passive-aggressive, micro-aggression, masked as holding "privileged" people "accountable."
I graduated, having dealt with the AGEISM of many much younger professors, mostly young men and older women professors. There were so many times I wanted to quit. I never made the mistake of applying for a scholarship again. It's all about who fits the boxes and who the administration know and like. God forbid you might be a middle-aged white woman, single mother, because if you are, you can just drop dead. LOL...
Theresa,
You can be even more proud of your accomplishments because of the hardships you have overcome, I can only imagine how angry you must have been when you were treated this way. IThe same goes for all the minority men and women who suffered the same discrimination at the hands of white people in positions of authority. We are all heading into tomorrow together and hopefully we will have learned from the trials we have endured! We all want the same things and we need to continue to work to assure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. I always enjoy your writing and will now value it even more knowing what you have achieved in the face of blatant discrimination.
Oh, I agree on that, when you reference people of color being discriminated. There were several times when I saw some really awful micro-aggression from white instructors and students toward students of color, one older black women in particular was treated horribly by this poetry girl who ripped her poem to shreds. I was so angry I left class early, following the black woman who was the first to leave. I followed her into the hallway and told her how much I enjoyed her poem. She had been crushed and was almost in tears. It was a hard thing to witness, but when someone is critiquing a work, no one is supposed to say anything. It's one of the rules of 'work-shopping.'
Then I went to the computer lab, and wrote a scathing email to the instructor, telling her that Jennifer and her treatment of Shirley was absolutely cruel. This would have been in about 2008.. a while ago. Mostly, I was treated like crap because I was older and overweight. I did have to face a lot of adversity, but was always a strong A, B student. I was determined. LOL... thanks Tim. :)
If "...the Oregon Department of Education refused to certify it is in compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent,..."
and if
"...Oregon appears to have suddenly realized it’s on legal thin ice, having spent the past month scrubbing Title VI-violating language from an existing Oregon law and numerous bills moving through its ongoing legislative session."
then it seems to me that Oregon is quietly complying by removing the language, but refusing to publicly bend the knee and admit that they have, in fact, complied.
The overused cliche "performative" leaps readily to mind.
Kabuki theater, anyone?
irony: the state of Oregon was founded by racists, and since Title VI has become racist once again, though now it is discriminating solely against the caucasian race.
James,
We need to leave the racism of 150 years ago out of this. We have far too many wonderful men and women of color in our community who have succeeded because they did the hard work required, to be continually forced to listen to the screeching voices of those who continue to blame their unhappiness on others.
sorry, but the Dems have already made it the main game. divide and conquer.
So I receive a ticket for exceeding a speed limit. I tell the judge 'I already paid that fine in 2023, here's my receipt'. Think that will wash?
Time for Oregon to lose federal dollars, if I can't keep Salem from taking more of my income the least I can hope for is diverting my federal dollars from supporting this failed legislature.
*sigh*