Albuquerque Public Schools Use Federal Funds for Anti-Racism Training

During the pandemic, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) allocated substantial federal relief funding for anti-racism training, sparking controversy. In 2021, the district approved $336,500 from the American Rescue Plan for training sessions linked to the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). However, records from America First Legal show APS spent nearly $700,000.

APS officials could not verify this expenditure or confirm the portion sourced from federal COVID-19 relief funds. PISAB has previously received support from George Soros’ Open Society Foundations. The training materials instructed ‘White folks’ to explore their whiteness and presented race as a constructed classification for maintaining social hierarchies.

The Anti-Racism Training Institute of the Southwest (ARTI) implemented the training program, which included courses like ‘Community Conversations’ and ‘Undoing Racism’ workshops. ARTI collaborated with PISAB for 23 years and reached numerous school district employees, focusing initially on school leadership.

In the 2020-21 school year, APS leaders participated in ‘Community Conversations,’ a course tailored by ARTI with PISAB principles. By mid-2022, over 700 APS staff members, including teachers and district officials, completed ARTI training.

Bobby Crossin from America First Legal criticized the allocations, asserting federal funds intended for student recovery were instead diverted to Critical Race Theory indoctrination. Critics argue that pandemic relief money was meant to address COVID-era educational disruptions, rather than finance anti-racism training.

Despite the backlash, APS projected nearly $1 million for DEI training through 2024. Internal memos suggested expanding programs to include students, though APS confirmed the student component was not realized.

In 2023, APS received a $27,000 proposal from ARTI for further in-person ‘Undoing Racism’ training. The district defended its collaboration with PISAB and ARTI, asserting the programs aimed to enhance student attendance and performance.

Julie Levin from America First Legal highlighted that PISAB’s training remains prevalent across the U.S., with sessions ongoing in locations like Seattle and Atlanta. She emphasized the need for vigilance on public school spending.

Fox News Digital sought comments from PISAB. Elaine Mallon, a correspondent for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covered the developments in national politics.