Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is under fire from conservatives for refusing to denounce DEI initiatives, raising internal GOP tensions over how aggressively to challenge race-based equity policies in public education.
At a Glance
- Nevada GOP Governor Joe Lombardo criticized for not opposing DEI initiatives
- Interim education chief refused to certify compliance with Title VI mandates
- Critics say Clark County DEI programs may violate federal anti-discrimination laws
- Trump allies view Nevada’s stance as undermining national anti-DEI momentum
- Lombardo has remained silent amid calls for clarity on his DEI position
Nevada Sidesteps DEI Backlash
Republican Governor Joe Lombardo’s administration is drawing heat for its hands-off stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in public education. As reported by PJ Media, Nevada Interim Superintendent Steve Canavero declined to sign a required federal certification affirming the state’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Canavero’s office argued the certification had been submitted previously and suggested the federal requirement was unclear. But critics contend that the state’s refusal may signal resistance to rolling back programs that conservatives say embed racial preferences into school staffing and curriculum. The Clark County School District, for example, has implemented staff diversity benchmarks and “anti-racism” training, both of which have become lightning rods in the national DEI debate.
Watch a report: Republican Governor Undercuts Trump’s Anti-DEI Efforts.
Trump Allies Demand Accountability
Lombardo’s silence on the issue stands in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s vocal efforts to dismantle DEI across federal and state agencies. With the GOP increasingly unified around anti-DEI legislation—led by figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—Lombardo’s lack of engagement is being read by some as a rejection of Trump-aligned priorities.
Critics warn that Nevada risks losing federal funds if it fails to certify compliance with civil rights laws. Others argue that the state’s current DEI practices already violate Title VI by prioritizing outcomes based on race.
A Republican Divide on Equity
The standoff in Nevada underscores a growing divide within the GOP. While national figures push to dismantle DEI programs, some governors remain cautious—perhaps wary of legal liabilities, or public backlash in more moderate electorates.
For now, Lombardo has refused to clarify his position. And as the pressure mounts, the state finds itself at the center of a national test: whether Republican leaders will enforce, revise, or reject the federal rules surrounding race-based equity in public institutions.
