Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Despite objections from Wisconsin’s K-12 education agency, the federal government upheld its decision to cut a state grant intended to support special education teachers. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction had appealed a decision by the U.S. Department of Education to cut the funds over diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. At issue for the federal government were mentions of “whiteness” and an “equity mindset” in grant application materials. In its appeal, DPI defended the grant program as successful in improving retention of special education teachers. It also said it had removed the language at issue in order to comply with the federal directives. In its Sept. 29 response, the federal department said the grant would still be eliminated because it conflicts with the priorities of President Donald Trump’s administration.