Kelisa Wing, whose divisive remarks about white people caused an uproar during her tenure as a DEI Chief for military schools, has been promoted to a higher-ranking federal position. Critics argue that her new role at the Department of Education reflects a troubling trend of embedding left-wing activism within the federal government.
Wing, who has made inflammatory comments such as expressing exhaustion with white educators and calling for police defunding, was removed from her previous position following backlash. The Pentagon claimed it disbanded the DEI office she led, but Wing’s appointment to a $153,000-a-year senior adviser role has reignited concerns about ideological priorities in federal agencies.
While the Department of Education insists DEI is not part of Wing’s portfolio, its 2022-2026 strategic plan prioritizes equity throughout its goals. Critics describe Wing’s promotion as a “shell game” that hides divisive activism under neutral-sounding titles, allowing her to continue influencing policies on a larger scale.
Wing has remained active in promoting equity-focused initiatives, appearing as a keynote speaker at conferences funded by taxpayer dollars. Her advocacy for “social emotional learning” and criticisms of “White dominant culture” suggest her agenda remains unchanged despite the title shift.
The Department of Education, which does not directly manage schools but shapes educational policy nationwide, faces growing criticism for what many see as a misuse of taxpayer resources. Wing’s expanded influence has prompted questions about the department’s role and necessity.
The controversy has fueled calls for reform within federal institutions. Critics see Wing’s promotion as indicative of the Biden-Harris administration’s prioritization of ideological goals over unity and effective governance.