President Biden’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes significant funding for progressive initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly in the field of public education.
The budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, unveiled on March 11, outlines a federal spending plan exceeding \(7.3 trillion, with a substantial portion earmarked for various national objectives. Among these allocations is \)82 billion designated for the Department of Education, with a portion of $3 billion specifically dedicated to promoting gender equity globally.
Within the Department of Education, $95 million is slated for the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) initiative, which aims to enhance teacher quality through improved training for prospective educators and professional development for new teachers. The initiative also focuses on recruiting highly qualified individuals, including minorities and those transitioning from other professions.
Under the TQP initiative, educational institutions are encouraged to propose projects that establish or expand pathways into teaching, with an emphasis on diversity in the teacher recruitment process. Preference is given to partnerships with minority-serving institutions to ensure a more varied teacher pipeline.
If approved, the budget will result in increased funding for similar initiatives, such as the Hawkins Program, which exclusively supports centers of excellence at Minority Serving Institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Hawkins Program is set to receive a 100% funding boost from $15 million in FY 2024.
A White House statement released alongside the budget highlights the administration’s commitment to promoting equity in education and cultivating a diverse STEM workforce. The budget includes provisions to enhance institutional capacity at HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) by doubling funding for research infrastructure.
Furthermore, the budget allocates $1.4 billion for STEM education and workforce development programs at the National Science Foundation, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Efforts to increase participation in science and engineering fields among historically underrepresented groups, including women and people of color, are also emphasized.
While the proposed budget has garnered support for its inclusive initiatives, it has faced criticism from some conservative lawmakers. Senator Marsha Blackburn expressed concerns over what she perceives as misplaced priorities in the budget, particularly the substantial funding for DEI programs.
In addition to the proposed budget, the Biden administration has undertaken various measures to advance diversity and inclusion across government agencies, including the appointment of a Government-wide Chief Diversity Officer to promote equity and diversity in the federal workforce.
Campus Reform has reached out to organizations like TQP, the Hawkins Centers for Education, and Senator Marsha Blackburn for their perspectives on the budget proposal. This article will be updated with any responses received.