Hayward School District Ends Contract with 'Woke Kindergarten' Amid Controversy

The termination follows backlash over the program's curriculum and founder's statements, alongside declining student test scores.

Hayward Unified School District terminated its $250,000 contract with 'Woke Kindergarten', a program aimed at anti-racist teacher training, after national controversy.
The decision came after reports of declining math and reading test scores among students and controversial statements by the program's founder, Akiea Gross.
Gross's public remarks, including statements against the existence of the U.S. and Israel, sparked significant backlash and were cited as misaligned with district values.
A teacher and a school board member raised concerns about the program's effectiveness and appropriateness, leading to administrative actions against them.
Despite the contract termination, the district emphasizes its continued commitment to anti-bias/anti-racist teaching and restorative practices.