Federal Relief Funds Used for Anti-Racism Training in Albuquerque Schools

Hundreds of thousands of dollars from pandemic-era federal relief funds, meant to assist students in overcoming learning setbacks, were used for “anti-racism” training in Albuquerque Public Schools. In 2021, the district allocated $336,500 from the American Rescue Plan for training associated with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB). Records from America First Legal indicate that Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) eventually spent close to $700,000 on this training initiative.

School district officials stated they could not verify the spending details or the exact amount utilized from federal COVID relief funds due to lack of immediate access to records. PISAB, which has received backing from George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, provides training materials that urge “White folks” to examine “how they became white” and classify race as a tool for Europeans (whites) to determine human worth and societal status, maintaining “power and privilege.”

In APS, the training included “Community Conversations,” an introductory course on “core equity and anti-racism principles,” along with “Introduction to Undoing Racism” and a multi-day “Undoing Racism” workshop. This training was delivered through the Anti-Racism Training Institute of the Southwest (ARTI), which has partnered with PISAB for over two decades.

Initially, the effort focused on school leadership, including APS principals and assistant principals, participating in ARTI’s “Community Conversations,” a course designed specifically for the district that integrated PISAB’s principles. By July 2022, ARTI had trained at least 721 APS staff members, ranging from teachers to senior officials.

“Leftist groups infiltrate schools because they want to shape and control children’s minds and social behavior,” Bobby Crossin, counsel at America First Legal, commented. “Here, the Albuquerque Public Schools diverted funds meant to help students harmed by government lockdowns into Critical Race Theory indoctrination sessions.”

Julie Levin, senior counsel at America First Legal, expressed concern about the use of pandemic relief funds during a period when schools aimed to aid students recovering from COVID disruptions.

“You had money from Congress to get children back on track,” Levin told Fox News Digital. “Instead of helping students, the funds were used for anti-racism trainings.”

Records show APS planned further DEI training through 2024, proposing nearly $1 million to reach 2,000 people annually. District officials even considered extending this to students, proposing a component for 20 to 30 students per school in up to 10 middle and high schools. However, APS indicated that the student component was never realized.

The district’s collaboration with ARTI proceeded beyond this proposal. In 2023, ARTI offered APS a $27,000 estimate for in-person “Undoing Racism” training. APS justified the training, stating it was aimed at boosting student outcomes, particularly attendance and academic performance.

Levin noted that PISAB continues to present classes in cities like Seattle, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Brooklyn. “The People’s Institute offers these classes nationwide,” Levin explained. “Their website displays a schedule of training sessions available each month, whether in person, virtually, or through third parties.”

America First Legal vowed to continue its efforts in revealing redirection of public school resources from education to divisive ideological programs.