A new report released by the Legal Insurrection Foundation, in partnership with the Defense of Freedom Institute, claims that intersectionality theory is fueling polarizing school policies, anti‑American sentiment, and radicalization on college campuses. The paper, promoted by Cornell Law professor William A. Jacobson on the Freedom to Learn podcast, outlines a suite of federal actions it says are needed to curb the influence of the theory.

William A. Jacobson urges executive orders to curb intersectionality

Jacobson,who founded the Legal Insurrection Foundation, argued on the Freedom to Learn podcast that policymakers should issue executive orders directly targeting intersectionality curricula.. He said such orders could clarify that federal funding cannot be used to promote “divisive” concepts in K‑12 classrooms, echoing recent attempts to limit Critical Race Theory in several states. According to the report, this approach would create a clear legal baseline for schools receiving federal aid.

Teachers unions and colleges of education push intersectionality into K‑12 classrooms

The report alleges that teachers unions and colleges of education have been instrumental in embedding intersectionality into public‑school curricula.. It cites examples of university‑based teacher‑training programs that incorporate the theory into lesson‑plan design, suggesting a pipeline that moves from higher‑education theory to everyday classroom practice. As the report states, this has led to “anti‑American sentiments” being framed as educational objectives.

Proposed congressional hearings and funding oversight

Among the concrete steps outlined, the authors call for congressional hearings to examine how federal education dollars are allocated to programs that teach intersectionality. They also recommend tighter oversight of grant‑making agencies such as the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. According to the report, these hearings would expose “radicalization pathways” on campuses and allow legislators to intervene.

Defense of Freedom Institute co‑author highlights campus radicalization

The Defense of Freedom Institute, a co‑author of the study, focuses on how intersectionality has allegedly contributed to a rise in radical political activity among students. The institute points to several high‑profile campus protests that framed their grievances in terms of intersecting identities, interpreting these events as evidence of a broader ideological shift. The report claims this trend threatens the traditional mission of higher education.

Which federal agencies will enforce the proposed oversight?

The report does not specify which agencies would take the lead on the suggested funding controls, leaving a key question unanswered. It also omits details on how schools could be audited for compliance, and whether state governments would have a role in enforcement. According to the source, these gaps leave the implementation plan vague.