Federal Funding Applications for Head Start Scrutinized Over Language Use
A recent development in the realm of early childhood education has spotlighted the intricacies of language and policy. Head Start programs across the nation are being advised by federal authorities to exclude certain words from their funding applications. This directive, if not adhered to, could result in funding denial, as indicated by court documents.
The list of nearly 200 words includes terms such as “accessible,” “belong,” “Black,” “disability,” and “women.” This development emerged in connection with a lawsuit filed by Head Start programs in several states, including Pennsylvania and Illinois, against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within federal initiatives. It argues this ban contradicts Head Start’s statutory obligations, which mandate offering services that are “linguistically and culturally appropriate” and provide early intervention services for children with disabilities.
HHS Press Secretary Emily G. Hilliard declined to comment on the ongoing litigation when requested by NPR.
Head Start serves approximately 750,000 young children nationwide, offering childcare, early learning, free meals, health screenings, and family support. The list of words surfaced through the lawsuit following a declaration from a Wisconsin-based Head Start program’s executive director. Known as Mary Roe in the documents, she shared that her funding renewal request was returned with instructions to remove certain words.
Roe received two emails from HHS on Nov. 19. One email required her to “please remove the following words from your application,” including terms like “Racism,” “Race,” and “Racial.” The second email, from her program specialist, provided a comprehensive list of words to avoid.
This list, titled “Words to limit or avoid in government documents,” was attached to the email. It remains unclear how many other Head Start programs have encountered similar directives.
Roe expressed that the directive places her in a difficult position. The Head Start Act contains several words that must now be avoided. Roe highlighted the contradiction of avoiding words like “disability” and “inclusion,” which are essential for creating inclusive classrooms.
Disability-rights advocates have criticized the list. Jacqueline Rodriguez from the National Center for Learning Disabilities stated, “Banning the word ‘disability’ from Head Start is morally repugnant and a violation of federal law.”
Additional court documents reveal that a Head Start program on a Native American reservation was advised to remove content from its application necessary to prioritize tribal members, despite this being federally permitted. The term “tribal” is among those to avoid.
In a January executive action, the White House described illegal DEI policies as undermining American values, promoting an “identity-based spoils system.”
In March, the Office of Head Start notified grant recipients that funding requests involving DEI initiatives would no longer be approved.
