A long-standing initiative led by UNC-Chapel Hill to strengthen early childhood education across North Carolina is facing an uncertain future after losing federal support. The US Department of Education has recently written a notice to UNC-Chapel Hill, cancelling the federal grant that funds the university’s impactful SCRIPT-NC program.
The SCRIPT-NC program, which partners with community colleges across North Carolina, aims to “train future preschool teachers to better serve students with disabilities.”
Without federal funding, the program is in jeopardy as it may lose up to $200,000 this year. Due to the cuts in funding, the next three years of the program are at risk.
The written notice from the Trump administration cites the university’s language in the grant application relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Saying that the program would be “in conflict with agency policy and priorities, and so is not in the best interest of the Federal Government”.
The cancellation of the federal grants is part of the Trump administration’s effort to scale back support for institutions, programs, and initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The loss of funding raises concerns about how future educators will be prepared to meet the needs of children with disabilities—especially in under-resourced communities.
According to WUNC, a University spokesperson wrote: “Federal funding made the operations of the program fiscally possible.”
The targeting of DEI programs from the Department of Education makes it harder for the state to fulfill the promises of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
According to Public Schools First NC, IDEA is a federal education law originally passed in 1975 that requires states to offer special education and related services to kids with disabilities who need them.” IDEA supports specialized education, accommodations, and additional services for those ages 3 to 21 years old.
In a climate in which education funding is lacking and an attack on DEI is rampant, federal funding for initiatives that spotlight DEI is paramount. However, the Trump administration’s latest efforts will make it harder for universities and colleges to fund crucial resources for special education that help children with disabilities thrive.
