Idaho Grant Restored After State Removes DEI Language; Nearly $30M Reinstated

The Idaho Department of Education announced that the U.S. Department of Education has reinstated nearly $30 million in federal funding to community schools after the state removed references to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from a previously approved application.

The funds were part of a 2023 grant awarded to the United Way of Treasure Valley intended to run through 2028 and support 65 schools. Officials said the grant had been frozen when federal reviewers raised concerns about wording in the original application.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little supported the decision in a statement to the Idaho Department of Education.

Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) appealed the initial decision on behalf of the United Way of Treasure Valley. Although the appeal was initially denied, the Department of Education later reversed course and restored the award after the state removed the contested DEI language.

"Idaho has long been a leader in rooting out DEI in our education system," Governor Brad Little said. "I was pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Education restored Idaho’s grant funding after recognizing the work we have done to eliminate DEI in our programs. The decision confirms these funds were not being used to promote DEI initiatives."

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield thanked the United Way for its advocacy and praised the federal review. "This decision affirms that Community Schools are both effective and fully aligned with federal and state law," she said, adding that the program reflects values Idaho families prioritize: strong schools and strong families.

The Idaho Board of Education previously agreed on a resolution to bar universities from having DEI programs.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education told Fox News Digital the grant was reinstated after Idaho removed what the department described as "illegal and harmful DEI" language from an application originally approved under the Biden administration. The spokesperson also framed the reversal as part of a broader federal review of spending priorities under the current administration.

Separately, the Idaho State Board of Education adopted a December 2024 resolution prohibiting state universities from requiring specific DEI structures or activities. Officials say the reinstated funding will allow the community schools program to continue serving the 65 planned schools through 2028.

Key facts: the restored grant returns nearly $30 million to a program set up in 2023, the change followed administrative review and edits to application language, and the decision involved appeals from state leaders and federal review.