Education Dept. says there is a need for 'improving racial equity' in the education system

The Department of Education wants to offer grants for projects that involve "teaching and learning practices" which pertain to issues such as "systemic marginalization, biases, inequities, and discriminatory policy and practice in American history."

Grant applicants would also be expected to explain how their proposal would fulfill other criteria such as including "racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse perspectives and perspectives on the experience of individuals with disabilities."  

"The Department recognizes that COVID-19 — with its disproportionate impact on communities of color — and the ongoing national reckoning with systemic racism have highlighted the urgency of improving racial equity throughout our society, including in our education system," the proposed rule states.

It also says that "there is growing acknowledgement of the importance of including, in the teaching and learning of our country's history, both the consequences of slavery, and the significant contributions of Black Americans to our society. This acknowledgement is reflected, for example, in the New York Times' landmark '1619 Project' and in the resources of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History."