BURSTRep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) sharply questioned Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a Wednesday House hearing about the department’s actions against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), alleging the federal agency is “taking its lead from Jim Crow.”
“To be honest, and to be very clear, I want to say that this administration has undoubtedly revived the culture of racism we haven't seen since the Jim Crow era. They've made it clear that open attacks on Black and brown and other marginalized communities is not just tolerated, but it's encouraged,” Lee said.
The calls to remove DEI measures, Lee said, “in favor of ‘traditional American values’ is indistinguishable from post Civil War South advocating to write history with the Lost Cause narrative.”
“I have a question, some questions, excuse me, about why this department is taking its leads from Jim Crow,” she continued.
Lee specifically criticized the Department of Education’s letter in April telling schools they needed to sign a certification saying they were DEI-free or risk losing federal funding.
McMahon dismissed the concern, saying no schools have lost funding, as Lee pointed out the directive was preliminarily blocked by multiple judges.
“During your confirmation hearing, you were asked by Sen. Chris Murphy [D-Conn.] if an African American history class violated the administration's position on diversity, equity and inclusion, you said you want to look into it. You've been on the job for a few ... months now. Have you been able to look into it?” Lee asked.
“I do not think that African studies or Middle East studies or Chinese studies are part of DEI if they are taught as part of the total history package,” McMahon responded.
After some back and forth, McMahon concluded, “African history can certainly be taught” without concerns of DEI.
“Oh, thank you,” Lee said.
She also peppered McMahon with questions whether schools can have Pride celebrations or accurately teach that former President Biden won the 2020 election, growing frustrated and cutting off McMahon when she would not answer yes or no.
"I think our studies should all be taught accurately," McMahon said.
The exchange highlighted the frustration among Democrats during the hearing as they hammered McMahon over cuts to contracts and employees at the federal agency.
McMahon is sitting in front of the House committee to defend her department's priorities while funding considerations are still on the table.