JOBS AND EDUCATION
NY schools draw the line on DEI, say no to federal pressure – The Times of India
In a striking act of resistance, New York state officials have refused to yield to the Trump administration’s latest attempt to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education. The state’s Department of Education, in a sharply worded letter, made clear that it would not adhere to federal demands to end DEI practices as a condition for continued funding.
Daniel Morton-Bentley, counsel and deputy commissioner of the New York State Education Department, directly challenged the federal directive, stating that the department “does not believe the federal agency has authority to make such demands.” His April 4 letter to the U.S. Department of Education sets the stage for a significant legal and political clash over the role of DEI in schools and the boundaries of federal oversight.
Rejecting the narrative of censorship
Morton-Bentley’s letter did not mince words. “We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion,’” he wrote. “But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.”
His message pushes back against what many see as a politically driven campaign to erase DEI frameworks from American education. While the Trump administration claims DEI efforts discriminate by favoring certain groups over others, New York officials maintain that these initiatives are essential to fulfilling the promises of equality and opportunity in public schooling.
Legal standing questioned
New York’s refusal rests heavily on its assertion that the U.S. Department of Education is overstepping its legal authority. The letter emphasizes that the state has already affirmed compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—most recently in January—and that the federal government’s new demands are “based on a faulty legal interpretation.”
Furthermore, Morton-Bentley underscored that no formal administrative process has been undertaken that would legally justify the withdrawal of funds. Without such a process, he argued, the federal threats amount to political coercion rather than lawful oversight.
The federal demand: DEI or dollars
The controversy began with an unprecedented directive issued by the Trump administration last Thursday. The order gave K-12 schools nationwide just ten days to certify that they are not engaging in DEI practices considered discriminatory under federal civil rights laws. Compliance was tied explicitly to the continuation of federal education funding, including Title I aid—which supports schools in low-income communities and distributes billions annually.
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, defended the demand as a matter of legal compliance. “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” he said, as reported by the Associated Press. But critics have argued that conditioning funds on political interpretations of civil rights undermines the very foundation of public education.
A sudden shift in doctrine
The New York Education Department also drew attention to the ideological whiplash at play. Morton-Bentley referenced 2020 remarks by then-Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who described diversity and inclusion as “cornerstones of high organizational performance.” The current stance, he noted, represents an “abrupt shift” with no justification for the reversal.
The administration’s pivot, critics say, reflects a broader political agenda rather than any substantive change in legal or educational understanding.
A broader pattern of federal leverage
This isn’t the first instance of New York clashing with the Trump administration over federal funding. The state recently refused to comply with a demand to shut down a congestion pricing plan intended to fund mass transit in Manhattan. That resistance now appears to be part of a broader strategy to reject federal overreach.
Education, in particular, is emerging as a battlefield. While Trump has promised to return control of schools to state and local governments, critics say his administration’s DEI ultimatum is doing precisely the opposite—centralising authority in Washington and threatening to financially punish states that dissent.
The stakes ahead
As the 10-day deadline for certification looms, New York’s firm stance places it on a collision course with the federal government. Should Washington move to withhold funds, it could trigger legal challenges with nationwide consequences, especially for underserved communities that rely on Title I assistance.
New York’s refusal may encourage other states to challenge the administration’s mandates. The coming weeks could determine not only the future of DEI in public schools but also the broader relationship between states and the federal government in shaping educational values.
For now, New York has drawn a line: DEI is not a deviation from civil rights law—it is, the state argues, a fulfillment of it.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Tennessee legislature adjourns after passing DEI restrictions – The Times of India
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model. Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
From representation to “qualification”
Lawmakers also gave final approval to a companion bill barring public agencies, including higher education institutions, from making hiring decisions based on an individual’s race, ethnicity, sex, or age. Instead, agencies must rely solely on “merit,” “qualifications,” veteran status, or lawful eligibility. The law repositions Tennessee firmly within a growing conservative ideology that views demographic consideration as antithetical to fairness.
A policy echo of Trump-era ideology
The Tennessee legislation is not occurring in a vacuum. It mirrors initiatives launched under President Donald Trump, whose administration sought to link the distribution of federal funds to the exclusion of DEI policies. That precedent laid the groundwork for state-level action—Tennessee now becomes a key player in actualizing that agenda.
Boards to lose identity-based representation
Beyond hiring practices, the new laws strike directly at identity-based governance structures. Requirements that certain public boards maintain racial, gender, or age representation have been deleted. Critics argue this strips underrepresented communities of vital political visibility; proponents counter that appointments should be blind to personal characteristics and based on perceived competence alone.
Opposition raises alarm bells
Civil rights advocates and education leaders have condemned the bills, warning they will reverse decades of effort to correct systemic inequalities. Others fear the chilling effect these moves could have on recruitment, retention, and morale within public service sectors.
Higher education in the crosshairs
Public universities—long champions of diversity offices and equity initiatives—are now under pressure to restructure or eliminate these arms. The University of Tennessee system and others will be forced to reexamine staff positions, student programs, and scholarship criteria that once relied on DEI frameworks.
A new conservative doctrine emerges
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model.
DEI programs dismantled statewide
Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
AIIMS INI SS July 2025 registration underway, window closes on May 6: Check direct link to apply and important details here – The Times of India
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has opened the online application window for the Institute of National Importance Super-Speciality Test (INI SS) July 2025 session. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website, iniss.aiimsexams.ac.in, on or before May 6, 2025.
The entrance examination will be conducted on May 24 for admission into Doctorate of Medicine (DM)/Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) courses at leading medical institutions including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).
AIIMS INI SS 2025: Eligibility criteria and age limits
To apply for the AIIMS INI SS July 2025, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- Must possess MD/MS or DNB in a relevant specialty.
- Must complete the qualifying degree by July 31, 2025.
Upper age limit as on July 1, 2025:
| Institute | Age Limit |
| AIIMS (All Branches) | 35 years |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | 45 years |
| NIMHANS, Bengaluru | 37 years |
| SCTIMST, Trivandrum | 40 years |
| JIPMER, Puducherry | No limit |
Age relaxations:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen/ECOs: 5 years
AIIMS INI SS 2025: How to apply
Candidates can follow the steps given here to complete the application process:
Step 1. Visit the official portal, iniss.aiimsexams.ac.in
Step 2. Click on ‘New Registration’ for fresh applicants.
Step 3. Fill in the registration form and personal details carefully as guided by the portal.
Step 4. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Alternatively, candidates can click here to submit their applications for AIIMS INI SS 2025.
AIIMS INI SS 2025: Important dates
Candidates must adhere to the official schedule to avoid missing any deadlines. Key dates for the AIIMS INI SS July 2025 session are:
| Event | Date |
| Online Registration Begins | April 22, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| Last Date to Apply | May 6, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| Application Status Update | May 13, 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Required Documents | May 16, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | May 20, 2025 |
| CBT Exam Date | May 24, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Course Commencement | July 1, 2025 |
| Last Date for Admission | August 31, 2025 |
JOBS AND EDUCATION
OSSC releases Excise SI admit card 2025 for written exam on April 27: Check direct link to download hall tickets and key details here – The Times of India
The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has released the admit card for the Excise Sub Inspector (SI) written exam 2025. Candidates who have applied for the OSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) for Excise SI posts can now download their admit card from the official website, ossc.gov.in.
The admit card includes key details such as exam venue, reporting time, gate closing time, and important exam instructions.
The OSSC had earlier scheduled the admit card release for April 21, 2025, but it was postponed. However, there is no change in the written exam date, which remains scheduled for April 27, 2025.
OSSC Excise SI admit card 2025: How to download
Candidates can follow the steps given here to access their OSSC CRE 2025 admit card:
Step 1. Visit the official website, ossc.gov.in.
Step 2. Go to the “What’s New” section and click on the link to download the Excise SI written exam admit card.
Step 3. Enter your login credentials.
Step 4. View and download your admit card.
Step 5. Take a printout to keep safe for exam day.
Alternatively, candidates can click here to download their hall tickets for OSSC Excise SI 2025.
OSSC Excise SI 2025: Details mentioned on the admit card
Candidates are advised to verify the following information printed on the admit card:
- Candidate’s Name and Father’s Name
- Date of Birth and Category
- Photograph and Signature
- Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time
- Exam Time and Venue
- Exam Instructions
If any errors are found, candidates must immediately contact OSSC for correction.
OSSC Excise SI 2025: Exam pattern
The written examination will consist of three subjects with a total of 150 questions. The duration is 3 hours, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
| Paper Name | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 50 | 50 | 180 minutes |
| General Studies | 50 | 50 | |
| Odia Language | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 3 hours |
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