Connecticut
Connecticut Declines New Federal Title VI Certification Request
CONNECTICUT — State education officials have reaffirmed the state’s commitment to civil rights protections while declining to sign a newly issued federal Title VI certification form, arguing that the state already complies fully with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and continues to receive federal education funds under existing assurances.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education dated April 15, Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker wrote that Connecticut “remains committed to safeguarding Connecticut students against the insidious effects of discrimination” and that the state has consistently certified its compliance with Title VI through federally accepted procedures.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights had issued a “Reminder of Legal Obligations” to state education departments on April 3, requesting that states sign and return a new compliance certification form within 10 days. The request also asked for reports on the signature status of local districts and any compliance or enforcement actions under consideration.
Connecticut’s response stated that no additional certification was necessary, as the state has long met federal obligations through required annual assurances and the approved Consolidated State Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
The reminder also raised concerns about the legality of some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, though it did not define what constitutes a noncompliant practice. In its response, Connecticut challenged the ambiguity of the DEI references and defended the use of such initiatives, noting that “the USDOE itself has long supported these important principles.”
Russell-Tucker emphasized that Connecticut’s 508,000 students are served by programs that align with federal antidiscrimination laws and highlighted initiatives like the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP) to reduce absenteeism and expand opportunity.
The state joins a growing list of jurisdictions pushing back on recent federal inquiries into civil rights compliance. In March, California’s Department of Education similarly declined to adopt the new certification form, citing legal concerns and long-standing adherence to Title VI requirements. New York and Illinois also expressed hesitation, requesting further clarification on how the new form would be used and enforced.
Connecticut officials said they would continue to support inclusive educational environments and meet federal civil rights standards without adopting new or duplicative reporting frameworks.
Connecticut
5 Connecticut towns to receive $2M each for infrastructure upgrades
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Five Connecticut towns will collectively receive $10 million in grants for infrastructure upgrades, according to a Monday announcement by Gov. Ned Lamont.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) is awarding $10.7 million to Coventry, Guilford, Ledyard, Mansfield and Thomaston to modernize and rehabilitate housing for low- and moderate-income residents, the announcement said.
The funds are being released through the DOH’s Community Development Block Grant’s small cities program, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be eligible, a municipality must have fewer than 50,000 residents.
Cost Breakdown
Coventry: $2 million
Town of Coventry plans to use funds to upgrade, with a focus on making Orchard Hill Estates compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Guilford: $2 million
The Town of Guilford plans to use funds to design and build future affordable housing projects, consisting of up to 16 rental units and 8 homes.
Ledyard: $2 million
The Town of Canton requested funding for the first phase of affordable housing for people in Ledyard and the surrounding area. Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is in the pre-development phase of the Colby Drive and plans to create 38 units.
Mansfield: $2.2 million
Funding will be used for upgrades to Wright’s Village, including roof replacements and sidewalk repairs.
Thomaston: $2.5 million
Funds will be used to make Green Manor ADA-compliant, including the installation of a new emergency call aid system.
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Connecticut
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Connecticut
Florida High School State Bronze Medalist Dajah German Verbals To Connecticut For Fall 2027
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Florida high school state bronze medalist Dajah German has announced her verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Connecticut beginning in the fall of 2027. She publicized the news on SwimCloud, writing:
I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Connecticut! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to be my best throughout the years. And a very special thank you to Coach Chris and Coach Nicole for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. GO HUSKIES!
A rising senior at Fort Lauderdale High School in Florida, German trains year-round with Swim Fort Lauderdale and primarily specializes in the sprint and middle-distance freestyle events.
German has improved each year of her high school career, most recently dropping from 23.78, 51.39, and 1:50.56 in the 50/100/200 free to 23.54, 51.35, and 1:49.69 during the 2025-26 short course season.
German’s top meet of the season was the Florida Senior Championships in March, where she recorded her current PBs in both the 50 and 200 free. She finished second in the 500 free (4:55.94) and 1650 free (17:02.78), third in both the 50 free and 200 free, and fifth in the 100 free (51.43). She set her current 100 free PB at a smaller holiday meet in December. In the 500 free, she clocked a season-best 4:55.21 at the Speedo Cup in January, with her lifetime best of 4:53.19 coming at the 2025 Florida Senior Championships.
German has qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Championships for the past three years, with her top performance coming at the 2025 iteration in November. She placed third in the 50 free (23.96), fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12), and helped Fort Lauderdale to fourth place in both the 200 free relay (24.64 leadoff) and 400 free relay (53.08 anchor).
Top SCY Times:
- 50 Freestyle: 23.54
- 100 Freestyle: 51.35
- 200 Freestyle: 1:49.69
- 500 Freestyle: 4:53.19
A Division I Mid-Major program, Connecticut competes in the Big East, with the women’s team placing second out of seven teams at this past season’s conference championships. German’s current lifetime bests would have placed third in the 200 free, fourth in the 500 free, eighth in the 50 free, and ninth in the 100 free, setting her up as an immediate contributor with two full seasons of training still ahead before her first conference meet.
German joins Anna Mumford, Lyla Devlin, Lena Brown, and Louisa Holda in committing to the Huskies’ class of 2031 so far.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
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