Report on the Termination of the Invent2Prevent Program and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The Trump administration has taken significant steps to dismantle various anti-terrorism initiatives in the United States. One such initiative affected is the Invent2Prevent program, originally launched during the Biden administration to engage youth in combating targeted violence and terrorism. This report examines the termination of the Invent2Prevent program, its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the broader implications for social inclusion and security.

Background of the Invent2Prevent Program

The Invent2Prevent program was designed to encourage high school and college students nationwide to develop innovative solutions addressing targeted violence and terrorism. The program included a competition fostering creativity and civic engagement among youth.

• Focus areas included combating racism, antisemitism, bullying toward women, radicalization of veterans, and the spread of hate speech online.
• The program operated with a budget of approximately $1.5 million.
• Last year’s winners developed projects aligned with promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Termination of the Program

The program has been officially discontinued, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updating its webpages to indicate that information may be outdated and no longer reflect current policies or programs.

1. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin cited the elimination of “wasteful government spending” as the rationale behind the termination.
2. The program was criticized for allegedly supporting partisan organizations and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
3. Specific mention was made of the organization Eradicate Hate, which tracks extremist group financing, as a point of contention.
4. Concerns were raised about the program exposing children to topics related to LGBTQ issues, which was framed negatively by the administration.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The termination of the Invent2Prevent program has significant implications for several SDGs, particularly those related to peace, justice, and strong institutions, as well as reduced inequalities and quality education.

Relevant SDGs Affected

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The program fostered educational opportunities for youth to engage in social issues and develop critical thinking skills.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Initiatives addressing bullying toward women and promoting inclusive environments supported gender equality.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Efforts to combat racism, antisemitism, and hate speech contributed to reducing social inequalities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The program aimed to prevent violence and promote peaceful, inclusive societies.

Concerns and Criticism

• The administration’s framing of DEI initiatives and LGBTQ topics as controversial undermines efforts to create inclusive and safe environments for all individuals.
• The discontinuation of Invent2Prevent may contribute to increased vulnerability among marginalized groups targeted by hate and violence.
• This action aligns with a broader pattern of reducing federal support for anti-extremism and inclusion programs.

Conclusion

The termination of the Invent2Prevent program represents a setback in advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education, equality, and peaceful societies. The decision reflects broader political dynamics that may hinder progress toward inclusive and safe communities. Continued monitoring and advocacy are essential to ensure that future policies align with the SDGs and promote the well-being of all citizens.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses anti-terrorism efforts, combating targeted violence, and violent extremism, which relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The Invent2Prevent program involved high school and college students, focusing on education to combat racism, antisemitism, and hate speech.
   • The program aimed to foster inclusive environments in schools, which relates to equitable and inclusive education.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions combating racism, antisemitism, and bullying toward women, which are issues of social inequality.
   • It also touches on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Targeted violence and bullying toward women are highlighted, linking to gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including peace, human rights, gender equality, and global citizenship.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months.
   • Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (e.g., security and justice).
   • Indicator 16.b.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed at all levels in curricula, teacher education and student assessment.
   • Indicator 4.a.1: Proportion of schools with access to safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed.
4. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
5. Implied Indicators
   • Number of programs or initiatives aimed at combating hate speech, racism, antisemitism, and targeted violence.
   • Participation rates of students in anti-violence and anti-extremism educational programs.
   • Government budget allocation and spending on anti-terrorism and inclusion programs.
   • Reports and tracking of extremist group financing and hate speech prevalence.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: msnbc.com