A common question we hear at Citizens for a New Louisiana concerns Louisiana DEI spending. How much taxpayer money funds DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) programs? The short answer? No one really knows. Perhaps that’s why Emily Chenevert introduced a bill during the 2024 regular session to start that conversation. Once we’ve established what’s going on, we can perhaps follow up with how much it’s costing.
A recently released report from the Louisiana Department of Education provides a detailed account of the state’s DEIB programs in public schools. Mandated by Emily Chenevert‘s Act 641 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, the DEIB in K-12 Education report offers a rare look at how public schools engage with race, gender, and identity-related initiatives. While the document presents itself as a neutral compilation of self-reported programs, some of its findings raise serious constitutional questions, particularly in light of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and relevant First Amendment protections.
Does Race-Based Policy Have a Place in Public Schools?
One of the more concerning findings in DEIB in K-12 Education report is the explicit use of racial classifications in some school programs. For example, the Multi-Cultural Library Initiative in Allen Parish describes itself as a program designed to increase the presence of books written by and about “BIPOC” (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) authors. While promoting diverse perspectives in literature is not inherently problematic, state-run institutions allocating resources along racial lines tread into legally questionable territory.
The U.S. Supreme Court has clarified that racial classifications in government programs (schools, employment, or public contracting) must be subject to strict scrutiny. In Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 (551 U.S. 701, 2007), the Court struck down race-based student assignment policies, ruling that “racial balancing” is not a compelling state interest. Similarly, in Adarand Constructors v. Peña (515 U.S. 200, 1995), the Court reaffirmed that all racial classifications imposed by the government must pass strict scrutiny, requiring a compelling interest and narrowly tailored execution. A school district explicitly selecting books for inclusion based on the author’s race, to the exclusion of others, could very well fail that test.
Similar concerns arise with the widespread practice of Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. While learning about different cultures and historical contributions is valuable, the report does not mention equivalent programs highlighting other racial or ethnic groups. If funding, participation, or recognition is not evenly distributed across all demographics, these initiatives could also invite legal challenges.
DEI Training: Mandated Ideology in Public Employment?
Another area of concern is the “Overcoming Racism” professional development program implemented at Young Audiences Charter School in Jefferson Parish. According to the report, the school trained staff to help create “an inclusive, anti-racist environment.”
Professional development is routine in education. However, when training sessions compel ideological agreement, they risk violating First Amendment protections. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (585 U.S. 878, 2018) held that public employees cannot be compelled to subsidize speech they disagree with. If DEI training forces teachers to adopt or affirm specific views on race and systemic oppression, this could be challenged as unconstitutional compelled speech.
While private employers have more latitude in setting ideological workplace standards, public institutions (including public schools) are bound by the Constitution. Mandated racial ideology training has faced legal challenges in other states, with courts scrutinizing whether such programs force employees to adopt beliefs rather than be educated on historical perspectives.
Special Treatment for Identity-Based Student Groups?
The report also reveals that some schools sponsor identity-specific student organizations, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at Woodlawn High School (East Baton Rouge Parish). While student-led clubs are generally protected under the First Amendment (Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, 530 U.S. 640, 2000), constitutional issues arise if schools provide preferential funding, resources, or institutional backing to some groups while denying the same to others.
For example, suppose a school recognizes and funds a Gay-Straight Alliance but refuses to support a religious student group. In that case, it risks violating the Equal Access Act of 1984, which requires schools receiving federal funding to provide equal treatment to all non-curricular student groups, regardless of viewpoint.
Notable DEI-Related Expenditures in Louisiana Schools
While many school districts reported no funding allocated to DEI initiatives, others disclosed significant expenditures. Louisiana schools have reported spending over $9.3 million on DEI initiatives. But where that money comes from and how it’s being used remains unclear.
Below are some of the most notable cases:
- Terrebonne Parish – $2,798,130 (combined)
💰 Native American Indian Heritage Program – Focused on increasing academic achievement among Native American students through culturally responsive programs, including Indian dancers, artisans, and ACT prep boot camps. Title VI Indian Education funds were used. - St. Landry Parish – $2,174,318.79
📚 Student Services Department Initiatives – Included weekly social-emotional learning (SEL) activities, anti-bullying awareness campaigns, and Black History Month celebrations. The district aims to expand DEI professional development. - West Carroll Parish – $485,000
🤔 Details on specific programs are not explicitly documented, but the expenditure suggests a more structured DEI approach than other districts. - East Baton Rouge Parish – $300,000
🏫 Multiple DEI-Related Activities – This includes Black History Month programs, identity-based student clubs (such as the Gay-Straight Alliance), and professional development on cultural awareness. - City of Monroe School District – $300,000
🛠️ Restorative Practices Training – The district contracted Hester, LLC to train teachers and administrators to build inclusive, equity-based school cultures to reduce suspensions. - City of Bogalusa School District – $450,000
💬 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & DEI – These funds supported a district-wide SEL and DEI integration effort to improve school culture and reduce behavioral issues. - St. John the Baptist Parish – $250,000
🔍 No detailed program description was provided, but the funding allocation stands out among similarly sized districts. - Beauregard Parish – $100,000
📖 Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Student Services Initiative – Funds were dedicated to supporting English language learners. - Tensas Parish – $100,000 (combined)
📌 No detailed breakdown is available, but its expenditure is notable given the district’s smaller student population.
Lack of Transparency in Funding Sources
While the total known spending on DEI-related initiatives surpasses $9.3 million, the report does not specify whether these funds came from state allocations, federal grants (such as Title I or ESSER), or discretionary district budgets. The absence of clarity on whether taxpayer dollars were earmarked explicitly for DEI programs or if these expenditures were pulled from broader education funds is worth a closer look.
Because the Louisiana Department of Education’s DEIB in K-12 Education report is an official government document that provides a clear reference point for anyone interested in how these initiatives are funded locally, it falls under the self-authenticating public record category. Therefore, no additional verification is required to be accepted as evidence in legal or policy discussions.
Where Do We Go From Here?
This report highlights a growing trend: public schools are embedding identity-focused programming into their policies, sometimes in ways that may contradict constitutional protections. While inclusivity and historical awareness have their place, public schools must ensure equal treatment under the law, not race, gender, or ideology-based classifications.
Emily Chenevert‘s Act 641 changed the game. Before now, DEI initiatives in Louisiana schools operated without transparency or public oversight. This newly available data gives policymakers, parents, and legal experts their first opportunity to assess these programs’ scope, cost, and constitutional implications.
The next question is clear: Are these programs legally sound, or is this government-sponsored favoritism? If left unchallenged, Louisiana schools could soon face courtroom scrutiny over these policies.
Want to see what’s happening in your district? Read the DEIB in K-12 Education report and decide for yourself.
Moving In The Right Direction!
Under the leadership of State Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley, we have experienced an education surge. That is something BESE Board Member Kevin Berken discussed with us earlier this month. It is worth nothing that Brumley circulated a memorandum last week addressing the very topic of DEI. Brumley wrote:
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) agrees with ED’s [the United States Department of Education] guidance and belief that “[d]iscrimination [under any banner] on the basis of race, color, or national origin is illegal and morally reprehensible.” Furthermore, LDOE commends Governor Landry for his proactive Executive Order as well as his unwavering support of LDOE’s work to stop inherently divisive concepts, like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), from infiltrating Louisiana’s K-12 public education system.”
We have a slightly different take on the situation. While we are extremely happy with the trend on the national level by the United States Department of Education on this topic, the battle didn’t start there. The battle started here in Louisiana. It included brave individuals, like Brumley, who has one very simple mission – education. Not indoctrination or forcing upon impressionable students a certain moral or political position. It is happening because of brave individuals in our legislature, like Chenevert and other legislators, who are working to ensure our state policies concerning education are aligned with the values of Louisiana residents. Lastly, it is happening because of YOU!!! If you read and support our work you already know the wonderful things being done on the local level to bring about the vision for a New Louisiana.
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The DOGE Effect: What If We Cut Waste in Louisiana?
Elon Musk and Donald Trump are slashing waste in Washington, and the whole world is watching. Many have said, “That’s great—but we need to do the same thing in Louisiana!”
What most don’t realize is that Citizens for a New Louisiana has been ‘DOGE before DOGE was cool.’ Our investigatory work exposes government waste, backroom deals, and left-wing slush funds. And when people know what their government is really doing, it stops.
Want proof? Just change a few words:
👉 If you knew your government was funding erotic children’s books, they’d stop doing it.
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We’ve covered transparency issues for almost seven years. No one else in Louisiana is looking this closely at where your tax dollars are going. Are you fed up with the hundreds of millions of dollars flowing from Louisiana's treasury into the pockets of NGOs and left-wing activists? If so, you’re not alone. But exposing it isn’t enough—we need your help to stop it.
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