Dozens of parental rights organizations are demanding a thorough examination of education laws across the United States, raising serious concerns about the practices linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The letter, spearheaded by Defending Education along with over 20 other groups, calls for audits in all 50 states, spotlighting the risks posed by hiring practices that favor race or sex-based preferences. Many states, it warns, are currently violating federal laws intended to protect civil rights.
Erika Sanzi, senior director of communications at Defending Education, stated, “It has become common practice for states to violate federal law in the name of diversity.” Her remarks reflect a growing frustration among parents who feel that ideologies have overtaken solid educational practices. States are urged to act decisively to eliminate policies that enable discrimination based on race and gender.
One alarming incident highlighted in the letter involves the resignation of Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Roberts, who entered the United States illegally and had an expired work authorization, adds to the growing concerns regarding vetting processes for teachers.
The report points to a systemic issue, noting that public school employees accused of sexually abusing children often move between school districts, taking their track records with them. “A public school employee who sexually abuses children is, on average, passed to three school districts and can abuse up to 73 children before they are fired or face legal consequences,” the letter states. The lack of transparency and accountability in the hiring practices is deemed “staggering and unacceptable.”
Some adherence to union agreements further complicates matters. The negotiated collective bargaining agreements may permit the erasure of an offender’s record, allowing habitual abusers to continue working with children.
The letter’s signatories, including groups like School Boards for Academic Excellence and Parents Unite, reflect a unified front against current educational practices. The Trump administration had initiated rollbacks of DEI practices, but many institutions have reportedly rebranded these initiatives while keeping them intact. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, described this phenomenon: “It is the exact same toxic nonsense under a new wrapper.”
The findings underscore that many state laws are at odds with federal anti-discrimination policies. Sarah Parshall Perry, a legal fellow with Defending Education, emphasized the gap between federal mandates and state implementations. “The Civil Rights Act’s mandates of equality in educational programs aren’t being realized in too many American classrooms,” she explained.
Over time, DEI consultant groups have capitalized on the situation, amassing substantial taxpayer-funded contracts while the core issues related to education remain unaddressed. A report found these groups reportedly collected over $123 million from public schools across 40 states.
Therein lies the crux of the argument: public education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Yet, states accepting federal funds must adhere to federal civil rights law. Many are failing to do so, often enabling unsafe practices in schools, whether through inadequate vetting processes or biased hiring policies.
Parental rights organizations are calling for systemic changes, urging state leaders to ensure transparency and compliance with the law. It is a call to action for leaders to reassess their priorities and uphold the promises of a fair and equitable education system for all students.
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