The Trump administration’s Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against Rhode Island schools for operating a blatantly discriminatory loan forgiveness program that excludes white teachers based solely on race.
Story Highlights
- DOJ sues Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public Schools over $25,000 loan forgiveness program exclusively for teachers of color
- Program launched in 2021 violates Title VII of Civil Rights Act by discriminating against white teachers
- Legal Insurrection Foundation filed initial complaint in 2022, prompting federal investigation
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon confirms race-based employment benefits are unlawful
Federal Lawsuit Targets Discriminatory Program
The Department of Justice filed suit in federal court against the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public Schools over their teacher loan forgiveness program. The program offers up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness exclusively to new teachers of color working in Providence schools. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that race-based benefits violate federal anti-discrimination laws in employment settings.
Federal lawsuit targets program offering $25K student loan forgiveness only to non-White teachers
DOJ sues Rhode Island schools for race-based student loan forgiveness that excludes White teachers https://t.co/cHNAQzUDDK #FoxNews
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) September 17, 2025
Four-Year Timeline of Discrimination
Rhode Island education officials launched the racially exclusive program in 2021, deliberately restricting eligibility based on skin color rather than merit or need. The Legal Insurrection Foundation recognized this constitutional violation and filed a civil rights complaint against Providence Public Schools in 2022. Their advocacy helped expose how the program systematically denies equal treatment to qualified white educators seeking the same financial assistance.
Trump Administration Enforces Equal Protection
The lawsuit demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to dismantling discriminatory diversity programs that violate constitutional principles. Rhode Island and Providence school officials expressed surprise at the legal action, claiming they were working toward resolution with federal authorities. However, their continued operation of the race-based program shows clear disregard for equal protection under law, forcing the DOJ to take decisive legal action.
Broader Implications for Merit-Based Policies
This case could establish crucial precedent against similar race-based programs nationwide that prioritize identity politics over individual qualifications. The lawsuit affects multiple stakeholders: white teachers gain potential access to previously denied benefits, while schools may need to restructure recruitment based on merit rather than race. Legal experts note the case highlights ongoing tension between promoting diversity and maintaining constitutional equal treatment principles.
The outcome will likely influence other education and employment diversity initiatives that currently exclude applicants based on race. Patriots nationwide are watching this case as a test of whether the Trump administration will successfully restore constitutional equality in public programs that have abandoned merit-based selection for divisive racial preferences.
Sources:
Loan Forgiveness for Teachers of Color Is Discriminatory, Trump Admin Says
DOJ sues Rhode Island schools for race-based student loan forgiveness that excludes White teachers
DOJ sues Providence Public Schools over loan forgiveness for educators of color
Trump administration accuses RIDE, Providence schools of ‘blatant race discrimination’
