US DOJ spent over $100 million in last four years on education programs supporting restorative justice and DEI initiatives

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has allocated over $100 million in the past four years to fund education programs related to restorative justice,

social emotional learning

(SEL), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This funding, distributed across 900 school districts in 36 states between 2021 and 2024, has been outlined in a new report from Parents Defending Education (PDE), a conservative-leaning organization.
Focus on Restorative Practices and DEI Programs
According to the PDE report, a significant portion of the funds — $45.2 million — supported projects focused on restorative justice practices and SEL, while $32 million was allocated to initiatives promoting DEI, aiming to enhance educational outcomes for specific demographic groups. Additionally, nearly $19.9 million was used for certifications of consultants, many of whom advocate for what critics have labeled divisive concepts like critical race theory and queer theory.
The report also highlights funding for hiring new administrators, including positions for restorative justice facilitators. Notably, the Minnesota Department of Education received nearly $2 million to promote anti-racism practices in schools, while Ocean County, New Jersey, received almost $1 million to implement violence reduction programs, which included efforts to address bullying by framing it as a form of oppression.

Debate Over Ideology Versus Student Safety
The allocation of these funds has sparked concern, with critics questioning whether such initiatives prioritize ideological goals over the immediate needs of students. Some argue that shifting away from traditional discipline in favor of restorative practices may disrupt classroom learning. This has raised concerns about whether the focus on social emotional learning and DEI is compromising the safety and academic progress of students.