Why is COVID relief funding being used in this way? Do you think most taxpayers would approve of this?
FOX News reports:
Virginia county directing $20M of COVID relief toward ‘equity,’ ‘social and emotional’ programsOne of the nation’s wealthiest school systems is planning to spend millions in coronavirus relief money on so-called “equity” training and a type of learning intervention that has been scrutinized for its purported ties to left-wing ideas.At the end of last month, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) announced it would direct $78.8 million in toward a “welcoming” and “culturally responsive” environment for students. Its website explains that the funding is intended to “support equity professional development for school teams, and social-emotional staff to work directly with departments and school-based teams.”It adds that “[f]unding will also be used for allocations to schools based on a formula (size, poverty, English learners, special education). These funds will be used to directly support student social emotional needs.”A more detailed breakdown of FCPS’ plan showed the majority ($46.2 million) designated for “Intervention Special Education Teacher Contracts.” But it also showed $2.2 million going toward “Equity PD for School Teams” and $140,115 toward “Equity PD for Equity Leads” — both apparently referring to professional development for staff and faculty.The funding came as part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III (ESSER III) provisions included in Congress’ coronavirus relief.Parents Defending Education, a nonprofit opposing so-called woke “indoctrination,” criticized this week one of the social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. In total, the school district is directing $23.3 million toward “SEL (Wellness) Intervention” through ESSER III funds.
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