The Biden administration’s Department of Justice has funneled over $100 million into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for K-12 education, sparking controversy and criticism from conservative groups.
At a Glance
- DOJ allocated $100,113,942 for DEI and restorative justice grants in K-12 education from 2021-2024
- 102 grants were issued across 36 states, with New York, California, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Georgia receiving the most funding
- Nearly $45 million went to restorative practices and social-emotional learning programs
- Critics argue the grants prioritize activist agendas over improving student outcomes
- Several states are moving to ban DEI programs in schools
DOJ’s Massive Investment in DEI and Restorative Justice
The Department of Justice under President Joe Biden has allocated a substantial sum of taxpayer money to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 education. According to a report by Parents Defending Education (PDE), the DOJ issued 102 grants totaling $100,113,942 across 36 states from 2021 to 2024.
The grants were distributed to various entities, including school districts and universities. New York, California, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Georgia emerged as the top five states receiving the most funding. Nearly $45 million of the total amount was directed towards programs involving restorative practices or social-emotional learning, while more than $32 million was allocated to proposals directly related to DEI.
🚨NEW bombshell investigation from @DefendingEd uncovers how more than $100 million in grant funding from the Biden Department of Justice went toward promoting Restorative Justice, DEI and Social Emotional Learning in classrooms:
Total DOJ Grant Money Awarded (2021-present):… pic.twitter.com/U8hmW2azRb
— Nicki Neily (@nickineily) January 2, 2025
Controversial Allocations and Criticisms
The DOJ’s grant program has faced significant criticism from conservative groups and policymakers. Nearly $20 million was allocated to consultants proposing theories such as critical race theory, critical gender theory, and queer theory. Additionally, over $10 million was used for DEI-related hiring proposals.
“To say that the Biden Administration spent money on DEI programs like drunken sailors is an insult to sailors,” Nicole Neily, President of Parents Defending Education, said.
Several specific grants have drawn particular scrutiny. The Minnesota Department of Education received nearly $2 million to create anti-racist and anti-oppression learning environments and support LGBTQ inclusion. Pennsylvania State University was granted $1.78 million for an anti-bullying campaign targeting historically underserved and marginalized communities.
Shift in Educational Approach
The DOJ’s STOP School Violence Program, which aims to improve school safety and climate, often emphasizes replacing exclusionary discipline with restorative practices. Critics argue that this shift, along with the focus on “Transformative SEL” (Social-Emotional Learning), is being used as a means to integrate DEI into classrooms.
“This grant program—like so many others under the Biden administration—was hijacked to bankroll activist priorities, undermining congressional intent,” Nicole Neily said.
As the Biden administration continues to push for these initiatives, several states are moving in the opposite direction, with some banning DEI programs in schools altogether. Reports suggest that these programs may not improve learning outcomes and could potentially increase agreement with racist ideologies.
The Department of Justice has not responded to requests for comment on the allocation of these funds or the criticisms leveled against the grant program. As the debate over DEI in education continues, the impact of these substantial investments on America’s school system remains to be seen.
