A new report by Defending Education has revealed that over $123 million in taxpayer-funded contracts have been awarded to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant groups across the United States. These groups are accused of promoting leftist ideologies in public schools, which critics argue undermines the quality of education and exploits public funds.
The report, shared with Fox News Digital, indicates that 41 DEI consultant groups have received millions in taxpayer-funded contracts from 303 school districts across 40 states, from 2021 until now. Erika Sanzi, a spokesperson for Defending Education, described the contracts as a ‘total racket’ that makes schools worse and often disregards the age-appropriateness of educational content.
One of the largest recipients of these contracts was Amplify, a firm that provides professional development and curricula to school districts. Amplify reportedly received over $70.5 million in contracts. The firm claims its mission is to make education more equitable and accessible, but a representative for Amplify asserted that their products are designed to help students learn how to think, not what to think.
Another consultant group, Adjusted Equity Solutions, is associated with the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Institute. This group claims to help schools challenge ‘whiteness and hegemonic epistemologies in school’ and use ‘equity audits to measure student inclusiveness.’ It is reported to have received over a million dollars from public schools during the study period.
Sanzí criticized the DEI groups for disguising their ideological agendas under terms like ‘belonging’ and ’empathy.’ She warned that these groups often push an ideological agenda on students, which is not acceptable in a public-school setting that must maintain viewpoint diversity.
The Trump Department of Education has issued warnings to state education departments, stating that they must remove DEI policies to retain federal funding. Despite this, many of these consultant groups have rebranded their activities using terms like ‘belonging’ rather than DEI.
The report emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds, with critics arguing that the current system allows ideological agendas to influence education without proper oversight.