Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. - The Federalist has highlighted House Republicans' efforts to protect military children from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) indoctrination at Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools through the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's Servicemembers Parents Bill of Rights was included in the FY24 NDAA.

Stefanik’s bill reinforces that service members with children in DODEA schools have the right to be informed and involved in their children’s education and increases transparency and accountability in these schools.

The article by Max Eden and Amy Haywood criticizes the ideological direction of DODEA under its outgoing director. It notes that DODEA hired a chief of DEI with a public record of anti-white racism and has been involved in controversial practices such as systematizing secret gender transitions. Additionally, it highlights an incident where a school Facebook account celebrated a pro-Hamas activist.

"After revelations published by the Claremont Institute and Open the Books regarding the extremely ideological 'equity training' offered to teachers — which included recommending so-called Social and Emotional Learning material intended to make children cry — congressional Republicans, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., added a Servicemember Parents Bill of Rights to the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)," Eden and Haywood wrote.

Following these revelations, DODEA eliminated the position of chief diversity officer but formed a "DEI Steering Committee," which has faced scrutiny for lack of transparency.

Rep. Jim Banks sponsored amendments to dismantle this committee and create a small school choice pilot program for 30 students at the DODEA school in Bahrain. His initiatives face strong opposition from Congressional Democrats.

Banks’ amendments represent potential shifts in congressional authority over DODEA management and could set precedents for extending school choice to all military families. The NDAA awaits a full House vote before reconciliation with the Senate version can occur.

Historically, Congress has avoided exercising extensive control over DODEA due to high standardized test scores among its students. However, recent developments under Biden administration policies have prompted calls for increased oversight.

Banks’ pilot program may serve only 30 students initially but is seen as a step toward broader educational reforms for military families if Republicans gain full legislative control.