Florida-based educator activist Jennifer Jenkins has sharply criticized the recent actions of the US Department of Education regarding diversity programs, labeling them as a form of “taxpayer-funded discrimination” and accusing the department of embracing “far-right extremism.”
Jenkins, founder and chairwoman of Educated We Stand, voiced her concerns to GB News, asserting that the federal government’s current approach closely mirrors strategies employed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Education Department recently warned public schools that continued support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established during the Trump administration could lead to the withholding of federal funding.
Jenkins’ advocacy gained prominence when she defeated a co-founder of Moms for Liberty in a recent school board election. She stated: “This isn’t new; this rhetoric has been repeatedly pushed by Moms for Liberty. It’s something Governor DeSantis utilized, and they are essentially adopting his playbook.”
She further commented, “It’s deeply frustrating that people aren’t willing to acknowledge it for what it is – intentional, taxpayer-funded discrimination.”
Educated We Stand actively works against what it perceives as the rise of far-right ideologies within American public education, positioning itself in opposition to groups like Moms for Liberty.
The Department of Education recently sent letters to state education officials outlining potential consequences for non-compliance. These letters indicated that schools maintaining DEI programs could face “substantial liabilities,” including legal action. Schools were given a brief ten-day window to certify their adherence to anti-discrimination obligations. The department emphasized, “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right.”
The administration has also created an online portal, “End DEI,” where individuals can submit complaints regarding diversity initiatives in public schools.
While civil rights groups maintain that DEI programs are crucial for supporting marginalized communities and addressing historical inequalities, Jenkins expressed worry about the potential impact on funding for vital subjects like AP African American history. She highlighted Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s inability to address this concern during her confirmation hearing, noting, “I appreciate the senator persistently trying to elicit a clear response, but she refused to answer.”
Jenkins encouraged citizens to move beyond politically charged language and examine education policies objectively, stating: “Try really hard to ignore these catch phrases and buzz words that are intentionally stirred to create anger and fear amongst people, but just really look at it for what it is.”
- Educated We Stand opposes the current direction of US Department of Education policy on diversity initiatives.
- The Department of Education has warned schools of potential funding cuts for DEI programs.
- Jenkins highlights concerns about the impact on crucial subjects like AP African American history.
Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right.
