Story perspectives

Head Start Programs Challenge DEI Ban Amid Funding Cuts

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Head Start programs face pressure to remove 200 words from funding applications, including disability, tribal, and women.
The directive stems from a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over the Trump administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban.
Mary Roe, a program director, says avoiding these terms could violate federal law.
Disability-rights advocates condemn the ban as morally wrong and harmful to children with disabilities.

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Story summary

Head Start programs face pressure to remove 200 words from funding applications, including disability, tribal, and women.
The directive stems from a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over the Trump administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban.
Mary Roe, a program director, says avoiding these terms could violate federal law.
Disability-rights advocates condemn the ban as morally wrong and harmful to children with disabilities.