San Diego schools lose grant money as feds target DEI
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San Diego County school districts lost nearly $1 million in federal grant funding for teacher training programs because they promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Why it matters: The Department of Education's action shows the local impact of its crackdown on DEI policies and threats to cut funding.
Driving the news: The Tulare County Office of Education received a letter from the Education Department cutting the $10 million Teacher Quality Preparation Program grant it runs in collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego State University and other education agencies around the state.
- The notification letter said the grant is terminated, in part, because it "provides funding for programs that promote or take part in DEI initiatives."
- The money was to "develop and support a continuum of highly-qualified, diverse teachers and leaders that will serve in high need rural and urban" public schools, per the project description.
Zoom in: The SD County Office of Education was set to receive $900,000 to distribute, but was notified by Tulare of the funding cut on Feb. 18.
- San Diego Unified, Cajon Valley Union and Escondido Union Elementary school districts were each expecting $50,000 per year for four years for their teacher residency programs.
Between the lines: SD Unified's program started this school year and is designed to bring in more diverse educators to better reflect the student population.
- The program will continue through at least next year, but won't receive that money earmarked for professional learning experiences, mentorship and support for schools hosting residents.
The big picture: The Education Department announced last week it cut more than $600 million in grants to train teachers on "divisive ideologies," including critical race theory; DEI; "anti-racism;" social justice activism; and instruction on white privilege and white supremacy.
- Many affected grants included "teacher and staff recruiting strategies implicitly and explicitly based on race," per the department.
What we're watching: SD Unified is monitoring the Trump Administration's actions and set up a webpage tracking how federal policies and funding cuts impact its budget and operations.