Education Department cuts $600M in taxpayer dollars for ‘divisive’ training programs
The Department of Education (DOED) is making significant changes to how taxpayer dollars are used to fund training programs for educators. In an effort to eliminate what is deemed as “divisive” and “inappropriate” content, the Trump administration has announced cuts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal spending.
On Monday, the DOED revealed the cancellation of $600 million in grants that were previously allocated to programs focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Additionally, programs that addressed topics such as White privilege and White supremacy were also terminated.
This decision follows closely on the heels of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk, slashing over $370 million in funding for DEI training programs within the Education Department.
Some of the terminated grants included funding for programs that required educators to take responsibility for systemic inequities, such as racism, and to critically assess their own practices. Other programs that were cut focused on addressing biases and promoting equity through transformative conversations.
The move to eliminate funding for DEI programs has received support from various quarters. Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice highlighted the importance of redirecting funds towards improving literacy, stating, “Less money on DEI nonsense means more money to make sure teachers know how to teach students to read! #MakeAmericaLiterateAgain.” Additionally, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, expressed her approval of the decision on social media.
According to the DOED, many of the grants also included recruiting strategies for teachers and staff that were based on race, both implicitly and explicitly. Critics of the DEI programs, such as Chris Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, have called for a complete shutdown of such initiatives.
President Donald Trump’s administration has been actively working to eliminate DEI programs in education as part of its efforts to reform the department. Last week, all 50 state education departments were directed to remove DEI policies within a specific timeframe or risk losing federal funding.
Looking ahead, President Trump has indicated his desire to eventually abolish the Department of Education during his term, allowing individual states to have more autonomy in decision-making regarding their education departments.
Overall, these changes reflect a significant shift in how federal funds are allocated for educator training programs, with a focus on eliminating divisive content and promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational system.
