The U.S. Department of Education terminated $600 million in grants towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training programs for teachers, according to the department’s website.
A Feb. 17 press release detailed that the department cut $600 million in grants to institutions and non-profits that were using taxpayer funds to train teachers and education agencies on “divisive ideologies,” according to the release.
“I personally believe that there will be a direct impact on our educators and what they teach, and how they teach,” said Kendra Amos, a professor of ethnic studies.
Amos said that teachers are learners as well.
“Our students aren’t the only students, teachers are students as well,” Amos said.
The Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm of the Department of Education, also cut nearly $900 million in contract cuts, according to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration.
“I’m not quite sure the way they’re going about the cuts is well researched or educated,” said Tanika Byrd, a professor of communications. “I don’t think it’s informed by lots of different parties and so, I feel like anything coming out of that space is uninformed opinion.”
On Feb. 14, The Civil Rights Office of the Department of Education released a “Dear Colleagues” letter, providing clarity to the public about legal requirements under the Title IV Civil Right Act of 1964, as well other civil rights and constitutional principles, according to the letter.
The letter states, “The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.”
Los Rios sent out a response letter on Monday, reassuring employees of their stance on this issue.
“The Feb. 14 letter asserts the Department’s general belief that any policies intended to promote racial diversity violate existing federal law,” according to the Los Rios letter.
“What does that mean for Los Rios immediately? Nothing. There has been no formal change in policy, and no reason for Los Rios or our colleges to slow or stop any of the critical work that we are doing on behalf of the students we serve,” according to the Los Rios letter.
Gabe Ross, chief strategy and communications officer for the district, said Los Rios will not stand down if things change.
“We are following the actions of the new administration very carefully and are prepared to do everything possible to fight for every dollar, should any of our federal grants be threatened,” Ross said.