The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), a tax-funded organization, distributed “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Belonging Kits” to 300 daycares across the state, stirring significant controversy.
The kits, which were intended for very young children, included various materials such as identity politics-themed board books, “multicultural” play dough, and posters that featured same-sex couples. Many critics have accused WECA of pushing leftist activism, racial divisions, and exposing toddlers to inappropriate content about gender and queer relationships, according to The Federalist.
Image Credit
Joy Pullmann / The Federalist
One of the board books in the kit, *Being You: A First Conversation about Gender*, introduces the idea that children can question their gender identity, even suggesting that some may grow into a different gender than what they were assigned at birth. The book’s open discussion of gender fluidity for young children has drawn concern from many, including daycare providers. Elise Wiegert, who runs a daycare in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was initially excited to receive the kit, but after reviewing its contents, she described the materials as unsuitable for the children in her care.
Another book in the kit, *Our Skin*, discusses race, stating that the concept of race was invented by white people to justify their superiority. The book’s message has sparked criticism for promoting racial animosity at an age when children are just beginning to develop social awareness. Additionally, *Together: A First Conversation about Love* introduces children to same-sex relationships and gay weddings, which critics argue are inappropriate topics for toddlers.
Image Credit
Joy Pullmann / The Federalist
The fact that these materials were distributed through a tax-funded organization has raised legal concerns. According to attorney Dan Lennington from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, promoting these divisive ideas in taxpayer-supported settings may violate federal anti-discrimination laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although WECA has stated that private funds were used for the kits, the organization’s federal funding subjects it to scrutiny regarding compliance with legal protections against discrimination.
This issue has fueled an ongoing debate about the boundaries of political messaging in early childhood education, particularly when taxpayer dollars are involved.