In a shocking move, Priscilla Chan’s tuition-free educational institution, The Primary School, is shutting down its operations after nearly 10 years, sparking concerns about the erosion of social justice values.
In a shocking move, Priscilla Chan‘s tuition-free educational institution, The Primary School, is shutting down its operations after nearly 10 years. The school, which was founded on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), has been forced to close its East Bay and East Palo Alto locations at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Primary school, also known as elementary education, is the first stage of compulsory education in most countries.
It typically spans from age 5 to 11 or 12 years old and provides students with a foundational understanding of core subjects such as mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
In many countries, primary education is free and accessible to all children.
According to UNESCO, over 260 million children are enrolled in primary school globally, with an average attendance rate of around 90%.
Primary education sets the stage for future academic success and helps develop essential skills for lifelong learning.
A School Built on DEI Principles
The Primary School was unique in that it was a nonprofit organization that instituted DEI programs from its inception. The school’s approach is centered around serving low-income families, many of whom are Latino and may be experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, racism, and other stressful situations. However, the school’s commitment to these values has come under attack in recent years.
A Shift in Values?
The closure of The Primary School comes amidst a broader shift in values at Meta, Mark Zuckerberg‘s tech company, and their shared philanthropic venture, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. In February, The Guardian reported that the initiative had informed employees that it was eliminating both internal and external DEI programs due to changes in the regulatory landscape. This move has been met with criticism from those who feel that such efforts are essential for promoting social justice.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is a limited liability company established in 2015 by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan.
CZI focuses on issues such as education, science, justice and opportunity, and supports organizations working to address these challenges.
The initiative has committed over $4 billion in grants since its inception, with a focus on long-term, measurable impact.
CZI also invests in companies and non-profits that align with its mission.
A Personal Connection
Priscilla Chan‘s personal connection to these issues is clear. Her appearance at Donald Trump‘s inauguration, as well as her husband Mark Zuckerberg‘s subsequent actions on DEI programs at Meta and their shared philanthropic venture, suggest that her commitment to social justice values may be taking a backseat to her alliance with the president.
Priscilla Chan is a Chinese-American philanthropist, educator, and physician.
Born in 1985 in Braintree, Massachusetts, she graduated from Harvard University and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.
In 2011, she married Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook.
The couple has pledged to give away over 99% of their wealth during their lifetimes through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Chan is also a strong advocate for education and healthcare reform.
A Difficult Decision
The Primary School has stated that its closure is a ‘very difficult decision’ that was made after much deliberation. However, some have pointed out that the timing of this move raises questions about whether the school’s commitment to DEI principles was ever truly a priority.
