You are equating "persecuting genius" with "supporting those from low-opportunity backgrounds". Classic mistake, especially considering that those kids could become """geniuses""" too if they had a chance to even try. Giving a decent shot at those from disadvantaged households will ironically probably do more towards improving the number of high achievers than allocating too many resources to the children of the rich, which is what we're doing now.

How does removing gifted and talented programs support "those from low-opportunity backgrounds"?

"persecuting genius" is literally what is happening.

In other words:

Your team only moves as fast as its slowest member.