Education Department under fire for race training session

An inquiry is being launched by Education and the Workforce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., into what he characterizes as "hateful and politically charged racial rhetoric" at a recent Education Department training seminar on race relations.

However, while department officials acknowledged some remarks made by the speaker-well-known diversity training expert Jane Elliott-were unexpected and inappropriate for federal employees, they said most of the presentation on race relations among children was well received.

"She was brought in as an expert on diversity awareness, particularly among children, but because she did make these comments that were spontaneous, our chief of staff sent around an e-mail, saying her presentation did include parts that were inappropriate for federal employees and that we don't endorse these comments," said Erica Lepping, an Education Department spokeswoman.

According to Hoekstra, sources within the department told him Deputy Education Secretary Frank Holleman encouraged staffers to attend a three-hour seminar on racial issues March 8.

"During the seminar, the presenter allegedly referred by name to Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and denounced them both as 'racists.' The presenter also encouraged seminar attendees not to vote for Republican political candidates," Hoekstra said in a release issued Wednesday.

Hoekstra indicated he is concerned that political activity is being underwritten by tax dollars under the guise of department- wide sessions on race relations.

"If this is the kind of event that the department considers to be an 'accomplishment,' I find it very disturbing," Hoekstra said.

Added Hoekstra's spokesman, "They have funding in their budget to do training seminars and we encourage professional development, but not like this."

Lepping said the department is "not in the business of censorship," but agreed the remarks were inappropriate. "We will ensure that future speakers are more thoroughly briefed on the issues to address," Lepping said.

Hoekstra sent a letter dated Tuesday to Education Secretary Riley inquiring about the seminar and plans for future seminars. He asked for a response by March 27.