Federal Funding for Head Start Programs Threatened by Word Ban
In a move stirring considerable controversy, federal officials have instructed Head Start programs to exclude nearly 200 specific words and phrases from their funding applications. These instructions come with the warning that failure to comply could result in the denial of funding, according to documents recently filed in court.
Students help put away supplies at the end of a reading and writing lesson at a Head Start program in Miami in January 2025. Rebecca Blackwell/AP
The list includes words such as “accessible,” “belong,” “Black,” “disability,” “female,” “minority,” “trauma,” “tribal,” and “women.” The directive was outlined in a lawsuit involving Head Start programs from several states, including Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and Illinois, against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The lawsuit challenges a ban implemented during the Trump administration on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal programs, arguing it contradicts Head Start’s mandate to provide “linguistically and culturally appropriate” services and early intervention for children with disabilities. Despite requests for clarification from NPR, HHS Press Secretary Emily G. Hilliard stated, “HHS does not comment on ongoing litigation.”
Serving approximately 750,000 children nationwide, Head Start offers childcare, early learning, free meals, health screenings, and family support. The word ban emerged through a declaration by an executive director of a Wisconsin-based Head Start program, who used the pseudonym Mary Roe in court documents. Roe’s funding renewal request, made on September 30, was returned by HHS on November 19 with instructions to remove certain words, including “Racism,” “Race,” and “Racial.”
Roe received a follow-up email from her program specialist, providing a list titled “Words to limit or avoid in government documents.” The specialist’s identity was redacted, and it’s unclear how many other programs received similar guidance. This directive puts Roe in a difficult position, as the federal Head Start Act includes many of the words now prohibited.
Roe also highlighted the contradiction between the word ban and Head Start’s responsibility to foster inclusive and accessible classrooms for children with disabilities. Disability-rights advocates have criticized the ban, arguing it violates federal law. Jacqueline Rodriguez of the National Center for Learning Disabilities stated, “Banning the word ‘disability’ from Head Start is morally repugnant and a violation of federal law.”
Additionally, court documents reveal a Head Start program on a Native American reservation was instructed to remove sections essential for prioritizing services for tribal members, despite such provisions being federally legal. The term “tribal” is among those Head Start programs should avoid using.
A January executive action by the White House criticized DEI policies, claiming they undermine national unity. In March, the Office of Head Start issued an email to grant recipients, explaining that funding would not be approved for activities related to DEI initiatives.
Read the full declaration below. The list of words to “limit or avoid” can be found starting on page 31.
