A new report reveals the extensive investment in diversity initiatives across American schools under President Joe Biden's leadership.
According to the Washington Examiner, the Department of Education has distributed more than $1 billion in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grants since 2021, with nearly half the funds dedicated to DEI hiring initiatives.
Parents Defending Education's comprehensive analysis shows that 42 states and Washington, D.C., received a total of $1,002,522,304.81 through 229 grants. The distribution of funds reveals a significant focus on DEI hiring ($489,883,797.81), programming ($343,337,286), and DEI-based mental health and social-emotional learning programs ($169,301,221).
North Carolina emerged as the top recipient of DEI grants, securing $160,871,561 in funding. California followed with $118,186,920, while Florida received $74,822,150. South Carolina and Michigan rounded out the top five recipients with $71,893,882 and $48,018,832, respectively. These allocations demonstrate the widespread implementation of DEI initiatives across diverse geographical regions.
The grants supported various initiatives, including race-based recruitment, hiring, and training programs. Some of these practices have faced legal challenges through Title VII civil rights complaints, particularly regarding racial discrimination allegations. Several school districts have come under scrutiny for implementing race-exclusionary opportunities and segregated employee affinity groups.
PDE researcher Rhyen Staley expressed concern about the allocation of these funds, stating:
You reap what you sow, and it is very clear that this Administration's Department of Education has been incentivizing the advancement of far-left ideologies into American schools in place of rigorous, proven methods of instruction.
Among the notable grants, the School District of Philadelphia received $3,973,175 for a restorative justice program. The program's adviser's background as a former Communist Party USA member and far-left activist has drawn attention. This grant exemplifies the broader debate surrounding the ideological implications of DEI funding.
Many grants focused on youth activism programming, particularly in ethnic studies courses. Additional funding supported anti-racism initiatives, equity-centered education, and culturally responsive programs. These implementations have sparked discussions about the role of critical race theory in educational settings.
Staley further emphasized concerns about the beneficiaries of these grants:
The only people or groups to benefit from the enormous amount of grant funding are the universities, administrators, and DEI consultants, at the expense of children's education. This needs to change by placing children's learning at the forefront of education, instead of prioritizing race-based policies and DEI.
The timing of this report carries particular significance as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Trump has previously expressed intentions to cut the Department of Education, a stance supported by some education policy experts.
Frederick M. Hess, from the American Enterprise Institute, criticized the department's current direction, noting its transformation into a politically driven entity promoting specific ideological positions.
The Biden administration's Department of Education has allocated over $1 billion in DEI grants since 2021, distributing funds across 42 states and Washington, D.C. This massive investment has primarily focused on DEI hiring, programming, and mental health initiatives, with North Carolina receiving the largest share at $160,871,561.
The future of these programs remains uncertain as the transition to the Trump administration approaches. With Trump's stated intention to reduce the Department of Education's role and mounting criticism of DEI initiatives, significant changes to educational funding priorities may be on the horizon.
