Florida education activist Jennifer Jenkins has launched a scathing attack on the US Department of Education's recent stance on diversity policies, calling it "far-right extremism" and "intentional taxpayer funded discrimination".
The founder and chairwoman of Educated We Stand told GB News that the federal government's approach mirrors tactics used by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Her comments come after the US Education Department warned it would withhold federal funds from public schools that continue with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives under President Donald Trump's administration.
Jenkins has previously made headlines for defeating co-founder of conservative group Moms for Liberty in a school board election.
Jennifer Jenkins spoke out against Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis
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Jenkins said: "I mean, and that's again, that's not new, right, coming from the place where Moms for Liberty has attempted to infiltrate that rhetoric here over and over again.
"It's not new. It's something that Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis used, and they're just pulling out the DeSantis handbook."
"It's frustrating that people won't call it what it is. It's intentional, taxpayer funded discrimination," she added.
Jenkins' organisation aims to combat what it describes as "far-right extremism" taking over American public education, standing in opposition to conservative groups like Moms for Liberty.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been slammed for his stance on education
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In letters sent to top state education officials, the Department of Education stated that schools continuing with DEI "may incur substantial liabilities, including the potential initiation of litigation for breach of contract".
State officials were given just 10 days to sign a document certifying their schools are in "compliance with their anti-discrimination obligations".
"Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right," the Education Department declared.
The Trump administration had previously launched a portal called "End DEI" for public complaints about diversity initiatives in publicly-funded schools.
Civil rights advocates argue that DEI efforts help uplift marginalised groups and address historical inequities.
US President Donald Trump with the order next to Secretary of Education Linda McMahonReutersJenkins expressed concern about potential funding cuts for states teaching AP African American history, noting that Education Secretary Linda McMahon "could not answer that question" during her confirmation hearing.
"I appreciate that Senator asking it over and over and over again, attempting to get a straight answer out of her, but she refused to answer that question," Jenkins said.
She urged Americans to look beyond political rhetoric when assessing education policies.
"Try really hard to ignore these catch phrases and buzz words that are intentionally stirred to create anger and fear amongst people, but just really look at it for what it is."
