The Department of Education recently announced the cancellation of nearly $350 million in spending on contracts with Regional Educational Laboratories (REL) that were deemed wasteful and ideologically-driven. These contracts were initially intended to address pressing issues in education policy and practice. The decision to cancel the contracts came after a review revealed that some of the spending was not in the best interest of students and taxpayers. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may have played a role in the cuts to the Education Department’s activities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Established nearly 60 years ago, RELs are administered by the Institute of Education Sciences and are divided by region across the country. These programs aim to contribute to educational research by examining how experiences within the education system vary by context and student group. However, the Department of Education found instances where DEI initiatives were being funded through these contracts. For example, the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest was advising schools in Ohio to conduct “equity audits” and “equity conversations.” The agency plans to enter into new contracts that comply with statutory requirements, enhance student learning, and better serve educational stakeholders.
The Department of Education also terminated $33 million in grant funds to four Equity Assistance Centers, which supported training in DEI, critical race theory, and gender identity for state and local education agencies and school boards. Additionally, the department announced the termination of over $600 million in grants to institutions and nonprofits that were using taxpayer funds to train teachers and education agencies on divisive ideologies. These training materials included topics such as Critical Race Theory, DEI, social justice activism, anti-racism, white privilege, and white supremacy. Some grants also included teacher and staff recruiting strategies based on race.
President Donald Trump has been critical of the Department of Education, expressing a desire to abolish it. He has referred to the department as a “con job” that has failed to adequately educate American students. Trump highlighted that the United States is ranked 40th in education globally, despite being the top spender per pupil. These remarks suggest a lack of confidence in the Department of Education’s ability to effectively carry out its mission. Trump’s comments reflect broader skepticism towards the role and effectiveness of the department in addressing educational challenges in the country.
The cancellation of millions of dollars in spending on DEI-related contracts and grants highlights the ongoing debate over the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education. Critics argue that funding for these programs may be wasteful and ideologically motivated, while proponents stress the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in the education system. The decision to terminate contracts and grants signals a shift in priorities for the Department of Education under the current administration. Moving forward, the department aims to focus on initiatives that promote student learning and support school districts and education stakeholders more effectively.
Overall, the recent cancellations of spending on DEI-related contracts and grants by the Department of Education reflect broader efforts to reassess and redirect funding towards initiatives that align with the administration’s priorities. These decisions have sparked debate and garnered mixed reactions within the education community. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact educational policy and practice, as well as the broader efforts to address systemic challenges in the American education system.
