Department of Education cancels another $350M in ‘woke’ spending for contracts, grants

Major Funding Cuts in Education Department Target "Woke" Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the cancellation of nearly $350 million in contracts and grants, citing "wasteful and ideologically driven spending" that it claims does not align with the best interests of students and taxpayers. The decision was made following a review of contracts with Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) and Equity Assistance Centers, which were found to be funding initiatives related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), critical race theory, and other controversial topics. The Department argued that these programs were promoting divisive ideologies rather than improving student learning outcomes. While the cuts were not explicitly linked to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recent slashing of over $100 million in DEI funding at the Education Department, the move appears to be part of a broader effort to curtail what critics describe as "woke" spending in education.

A Look Back at Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs)

Regional Educational Laboratories have been a cornerstone of the U.S. education system for nearly 60 years, operating under the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). These 10 laboratories, spread across different regions of the country, were established to address pressing educational challenges by conducting research and providing evidence-based solutions. Their work has historically focused on understanding how student experiences and outcomes vary by context and demographics, with the aim of identifying strategies to improve equity and academic performance. However, the Department of Education’s recent review uncovered instances where RELs were involved in initiatives such as "equity audits" and "equity conversations," which the agency deemed ideologically driven. For example, the Regional Educational Laboratory Midwest was advising schools in Ohio on these practices, prompting the Department to terminates its contract. The agency has pledged to renegotiate new contracts that prioritize student learning and better serve schools, state education departments, and other stakeholders.

Equity Assistance Centers Lose Funding Over DEI and Critical Race Theory

In addition to the REL cancellations, the Department of Education also terminated $33 million in grant funds to four Equity Assistance Centers. These centers were tasked with providing training on DEI, critical race theory, and gender identity to state and local education agencies, as well as school boards. While supporters argue that these programs are essential for addressing systemic inequities in education, critics claim they promote divisive ideologies that alienate certain groups. The Department’s decision to defund these centers reflects a growing pushback against such initiatives, with the agency accusing them of using taxpayer money to train educators on inappropriate and unnecessary topics. Examples of these topics include "anti-racism," instruction on white privilege, and race-based recruiting strategies for teachers and staff.

Backlash and Controversy Over Cuts to DEI Initiatives

The Department of Education’s decision to cut millions of dollars in funding for DEI and critical race theory initiatives has sparked widespread controversy. Supporters of these programs argue that they are essential for creating inclusive learning environments and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized students. They emphasize that DEI initiatives are not about promoting ideology but about ensuring equity andPreparing students for a diverse world. However, critics argue that these programs often veer into politically charged territory, undermining their educational value. The Department’s move has been cheered by conservative groups and lawmakers who have long criticized what they describe as "woke" spending in education. For instance, the cancellation of these contracts has been hailed as a "win for every student," with advocates arguing that it restores a focus on academics over ideology.

Calls to Abolish the Department of Education Intensify

The funding cuts have also reignited debates over the role and effectiveness of the Department of Education itself. President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the agency, calling it a "con job" that fails to deliver results despite high costs. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to abolish the Department, pointing to the United States’ middling rankings in international education comparisons despite being one of the top spenders per pupil. "We’re ranked No. 40, but we’re ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil," Trump remarked. His comments reflect a broader frustration among some conservatives who argue that the Department has overstepped its mission and become a vehicle for ideological agendas rather than improving education outcomes.

The Future of Education Policy in America

The recent funding cuts and polarized debates over DEI initiatives highlight the challenges of navigating education policy in an increasingly divided political landscape. While the Department of Education’s decision to defund certain programs may resonate with its critics, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on efforts to address systemic inequities in schools. As the agency moves forward with new contracts and priorities, it will face pressure to demonstrate that its decisions are grounded in evidence and focused on improving student outcomes. Meanwhile, broader calls to abolish or significantly reform the Department of Education are unlikely to fade, ensuring that education remains a contentious issue in American politics. The coming months and years will reveal whether these changes lead to meaningful improvements or further entrench divisions in the education system.