A recent report reveals that the U.S. Department of Education has allocated over $1 billion to grants promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools since 2021. This funding has fueled debate about its impact on education.
Parents Defending Education (PDE), a conservative organization, analyzed publicly available data and found 229 grants across 42 states and Washington, D.C., with a clear DEI focus. These grants, totaling over $1 billion, encompass areas like race-based hiring, general DEI programming, and DEI-informed mental health initiatives.
The report highlights specific examples, including a multi-million dollar grant to the School District of Philadelphia for a restorative justice program and a substantial grant for a "culturally responsive" computer science summer camp. Smaller grants, such as funding for equity consultant training, were also identified.
This substantial investment in DEI aligns with the Biden administration's broader emphasis on DEI across federal agencies. The Department of Education's strategic plan frequently mentions "equity," and DEI is listed as a key focus area.
Critics argue that these funds are being misdirected, especially given declining student academic performance. They contend that the focus on DEI initiatives detracts from core educational needs and benefits administrators and consultants more than students. PDE researchers suggest that the actual amount spent on DEI might be even higher than reported, as their analysis employed conservative criteria.
Amid this debate, President-elect Trump has pledged to eliminate the Department of Education and reduce federal spending. This proposal has garnered support from figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are advising Trump on government efficiency. However, the feasibility of this plan remains uncertain, as it would likely require Congressional approval.
