DEI consultant groups making ‘big bucks’ from public school contracts: report

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant groups have been making millions in taxpayer-funded contracts from K-12 schools across the country in recent years, according to a new report by Defending Education. The report reveals that 41 DEI consultant groups have garnered over $123 million from 303 school districts and public education entities since 2021.

The report highlights the troubling partnership between schools and consultants, describing it as a “total racket” that does not consider age-appropriateness in curricula. Erika Sanzi, a spokesperson for Defending Education, expressed concerns about the impact of these consultants on students, stating that there is little evidence to show that their interventions are beneficial.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of these contracts is Amplify, a firm that provides professional development and curricula to school districts. Amplify received over $70.5 million in taxpayer funds and claims to promote equity and accessibility in education. However, a representative for Amplify clarified that their programs focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think.

Another consultant group mentioned in the report is Adjusted Equity Solutions, associated with the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Institute. This group reportedly challenges “whiteness and hegemonic epistemologies” in schools and conducts equity audits to measure inclusiveness. Despite receiving over a million dollars from public schools, the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Institute did not respond to requests for comment.

Sanzi raised concerns about the ideological agendas pushed by these consultant groups, noting that they often use terms like “belonging” and “empathy” to disguise their true intentions. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in how public funds are used in education.

The Trump Department of Education has warned state education departments to remove DEI policies or risk losing federal funding. Despite this, many consultant groups have adapted by rebranding their services and changing their language to avoid scrutiny.

In conclusion, the report sheds light on the lucrative business of DEI consulting in K-12 schools and raises important questions about the impact of these services on students. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively in education.