Defending Education

Ideas, Not Ideology

Defending Education works to foster an educational environment free from discrimination and political agendas—one that protects First Amendment freedoms, promotes equal opportunity, and encourages the free exchange of ideas

There are problems everywhere but we are working hard to expose and eliminate them.

Our Issues

University Governance & Reform

We work to bring greater transparency and accountability to higher education and give students and families the information they need to make informed decisions.

Gender Ideology

We challenge gender policies in K–12 and higher education that compromise privacy, safety, equal opportunity, and parents’ right to know what is happening with their children.

Teachers Unions

We track the money, activism, and influence of teachers unions. Our research brings transparency and accountability to union spending and influence over education policy.

Foreign Funding & Influence

We investigate foreign funding and partnerships in American education, exposing ties that raise concerns about transparency and foreign government influence.

DEI & Merit

We work to expose and challenge policies and practices — often illegal —that prioritize race, sex, or identity over individual merit and equal opportunity in K-12 schools and higher education.

Proven Results. Recognized Reach.

Explore our recent media coverage, key reports, and the story behind why we do what we do.

1,706

Incidents Tracked

1,120

media mentions

87

Civil rights Complaints

15

lawsuits filed

33

amicus briefs

Testimony

Testimony of Paul Runko, Defending Ed Senior Director of K-12 Initiatives, before the U.S. House Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearing on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education

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Media Mention

Trump Administration Recommends Stripping American Bar Association of Law School Oversight

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