Jeanne Ives, founder of Breakthrough Ideas and former Republican state representative, said Illinois’ teacher scholarship program removed racial eligibility after a lawsuit, while Governor JB Pritzker continues to support race-based policies in government and schools.
“Illinois knows race-based programs are wrong,” said Ives. “the blatantly racist teacher scholarship only ended when the state was sued in court. Pritzker continues his race-based indoctrination in all government agencies. doubling down on it in schools.”
According to Ives, she posted the statement on X in response to recent changes in Illinois education policy. The post links to an article detailing the transition from the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship to a program open to all based on school economic and vacancy metrics. This change followed a lawsuit challenging racial criteria under the 14th Amendment.
Illinois public schools employ approximately 138,000 full-time teachers, with about 18 percent identified as teachers of color. Student demographics indicate 46 percent white students, with students of color comprising 54 percent, including Black, Latino, and Asian American groups. Teacher shortages persist in high-poverty districts, prompting state efforts to diversify the educator workforce.
In the United States overall, public school teachers number about 3.5 million, with approximately 80 percent identifying as non-Hispanic White. Hispanic teachers make up 9 percent, Black teachers 6 percent, and Asian teachers 2 percent. Nationwide initiatives aim to increase diversity in the teaching profession to better reflect student populations.
Ives founded Breakthrough Ideas, a non-profit dedicated to advancing conservative causes through online networks, grassroots efforts, and media engagement in Illinois. She served as a Republican in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 42nd District from 2013 to 2019 after a career in the U.S. Army where she rose to the rank of major. Ives has been involved in several political campaigns, including bids for governor and U.S. Congress and currently hosts a weekly radio program discussing policy issues.
