Comment on FR Doc # 2026-12861

I strongly oppose the proposed rescission of the Equity Assistance Center regulations. Throughout my career supporting school districts, state education agencies, and educational organizations, I have seen firsthand how challenging it is for education systems to meet their obligations under federal civil rights laws while also serving increasingly diverse student populations. Equity Assistance Centers provide specialized, evidence-informed technical assistance that helps schools navigate these responsibilities with consistency, expertise, and a focus on improving educational opportunity. The Department states that rescinding these regulations would provide greater flexibility. However, the existing regulations also provide important transparency, accountability, and clarity regarding who is served, what services are provided, and how those services are delivered. Removing those guardrails creates uncertainty for states and districts that rely on this expertise to address issues such as discrimination, desegregation, language access, disability access, and other barriers to equal educational opportunity. The need for high-quality civil rights technical assistance has not diminished. If anything, today’s schools face increasingly complex challenges that require knowledgeable, trusted partners to help educators comply with federal law while creating learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. I respectfully urge the Department to retain the Equity Assistance Center regulations and preserve a transparent, accountable framework for providing this essential support to schools and communities.