Lexington school leaders are reaffirming their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion after the White House issued an executive order that attempts to eliminate DEI efforts from public education.
On Jan. 29, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schools,” calling for a shift toward “patriotic education” and condemning “anti-American ideologies” in schools.
The order has reignited debates on concepts such as critical race theory and gender identity, which it labels as “radical ideologies” that weaken family authority and national unity. It further emphasizes expanding parental control over educational content.
Lexington High School quad / Credit: Vikram Anantha
Schools receiving federal funding for K-12 education must follow all laws that “prohibit discrimination in various contexts and protect parental rights,” the order states.
The executive order has sparked concerns about support for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA+ students and educators.
In response, Lexington Public Schools issued a letter Feb. 4, reaffirming its commitment to DEI. Signed by Superintendent Julie L. Hackett and all five members of the Lexington School Committee, the letter expresses concern about the executive order’s potential impact on vulnerable communities while underscoring the district’s dedication to providing a safe, supportive environment for all students.
“Doing the right thing requires daily practice,” the letter reads. “We believe it is our obligation to serve and care for others in our community and stand up for just causes, even when it might be difficult to do so.”
Lexington has consistently prioritized creating a school culture where students, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, feel supported.
About 77 percent of Lexington voters supported Democrat Kamala Harris in November; only 18 percent voted for Republican Trump.
The school district has long been at the forefront of DEI efforts, launching several initiatives since 2018. These include installing all-gender restrooms in all schools, adopting inclusive classroom materials for LGBTQIA+ communities, integrating diverse cultural content in classrooms, and hosting forums on racial justice.
Trump’s order states that schools have been blocking parental oversight and that students are being forced to accept certain ideologies without question or critical examination.
It also states that such learning environments encourage young people to question their own identities and whether they were born in the wrong body, often leading them to view their parents and the world around them as “enemies to be blamed.”
On the same day the order was announced, nearly 100 Lexington students and staff participated in a professional learning experience aimed at creating a secondary DEI curriculum.
“For those who are feeling frightened and scared right now, please know that we stand with you,” Lexington Public Schools’ letter reads. “In Lexington, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts have been the cornerstone of our LPS strategic plan and vision.”
In addition to the school district’s response, community members have taken steps to push for sustained DEI efforts at the municipal level.
Lexington’s chief equity officer position has remained vacant since the resignation of the most recent person to hold the role, raising concerns among community members about the town’s commitment to DEI.
On Jan. 24, 10 facilitators of the Dismantling Racism in Our Town (DRIOT) program addressed a letter to the Lexington Town Manager and Select Board, urging them to prioritize filling the vacant chief equity officer position and elevating it to a senior-level role.
“We are asking to understand what is going on with the position,” said Lisa Goodman, a DRIOT facilitator.
The job opening for chief equity officer has not yet been posted, Goodman said, and the group has received no response from the town manager.
“And that is a concern for us,” Goodman said.
This story is part of a partnership between the Lexington Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.