Kelisa Wing, once criticized for her outspoken anti-white rhetoric as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Chief for Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, has been promoted to a higher-paying federal role. The move has sparked outrage from critics who see it as a continuation of left-wing activism under a different name.

Wing faced scrutiny from Congress for comments such as being “exhausted” by white educators and calling for police defunding. She also expressed disdain for “white folx” and labeled individuals “Karens” on social media. After public backlash, the Pentagon claimed it disbanded the DEI office, seemingly distancing itself from her activism.

Despite this, Wing was quietly moved to the Department of Education, where she now holds a $153,000-a-year position as a senior adviser to the Performance Improvement Officer. The department denies that her portfolio includes DEI work, but critics argue the shift amounts to a “shell game,” where ideological activities are disguised under neutral-sounding roles.

The Department of Education’s strategic plan from 2022-2026 emphasizes equity as a priority across its operations, leading some to question whether Wing’s new role allows her to continue advancing DEI initiatives. Wing has appeared at government-funded events, such as a left-wing conference titled “The Backlash Against Equity,” where she advocated for pushing equity-focused philosophies in education despite public resistance.

Wing’s speeches often promote “social emotional learning,” which critics say replaces rigorous academics with leftist ideology. Her influence now extends beyond military families to public schools nationwide, raising concerns about the Department of Education’s priorities and the potential for embedding controversial ideologies in classrooms.

Critics argue that such appointments reflect the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to institutionalize leftist activism. The use of contractors and opaque bureaucratic practices further shields these activities from public scrutiny, prompting renewed calls for accountability and questioning the very necessity of the Department of Education.