Executive Order 14190, Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, signed by Donald J. Trump on January 29, 2025,  90 Federal Register 8853 (February 3, 2025)(Full Document) . "This article was drafted with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model. All content has been reviewed and edited by Vernellia Randall to ensure accuracy and coherence." 

Executive Order 14190 aims to remove federal funding from schools that promote what it describes as "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology." The order explicitly prohibits teachings that assign moral value or inherent traits based on race, color, sex, or national origin. It also reinstates the 1776 Commission to promote a "patriotic" version of American history, prioritizing narratives that emphasize national unity. Additionally, the order strengthens parental oversight in K-12 education, particularly concerning discussions on race and gender identity. Within 90 days, federal agencies must develop an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" to assess and eliminate support for such teachings in public schools.

This executive order has significant implications for racial justice, effectively curtailing discussions of systemic racism and historical injustices in public education. By defunding schools that engage in equity-based education, which includes teachings that acknowledge and address systemic inequalities, the order risks further marginalizing Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color while reinforcing a white-centered narrative of American history.

Racial Justice Analysis

The order disproportionately impacts Black and Indigenous students by limiting the ability of schools to teach about racial disparities, historical injustices, and the ongoing impact of racism in the U.S. education system. Without these critical discussions, students may lack the necessary context to understand structural inequalities and the means to challenge them. This restriction can lead to disengagement among marginalized students who do not see their experiences reflected in the curriculum, ultimately affecting their academic motivation and performance. The long-term consequences may include the widening of existing racial achievement gaps, the perpetuation of implicit biases among future generations, and a diminished ability to create an equitable society that recognizes and addresses historical and systemic discrimination. Reinstating the 1776 Commission suppresses anti-racist curricula, which are crucial for fostering historical awareness and racial justice. The 1776 Commission's approach emphasizes a patriotic narrative that often downplays systemic racism and its historical impact.

In contrast, anti-racist curricula focus on critically examining structural inequalities and their effects on marginalized communities. By shifting educational priorities toward a more celebratory view of American history, the commission discourages discussions on slavery, segregation, and present-day racial disparities, ultimately limiting students' understanding of social justice and equity issues. The restriction on equity-focused education will likely exacerbate racial disparities in educational outcomes, reinforcing systemic biases and depriving students of an inclusive learning environment that acknowledges their histories and struggles.

For Latinx, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, the order's broad restrictions on what it terms "discriminatory equity ideology" may lead to the erasure of immigrant histories and the struggles faced by these communities. Without critical discussions on racial justice, students from these backgrounds may be denied the opportunity to see their histories accurately represented in school curricula. The suppression of culturally relevant teaching could further alienate students from educational spaces, impacting engagement and long-term academic success.

Furthermore, the intersectional implications of this order are particularly harmful to students at the convergence of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities. For instance, Black transgender students already face disproportionately high rates of school discipline and harassment. With the removal of educational frameworks that acknowledge systemic inequities, these students may experience increased marginalization, leading to higher dropout rates and lower academic achievement. Research has shown that inclusive curricula and supportive school policies significantly improve marginalized students' educational outcomes and mental health. By eliminating these protections, the order exacerbates disparities, denying students a safe and affirming learning environment that fosters their success. By targeting "gender ideology," the order undermines protections for transgender students, particularly those of color, who already face higher rates of discrimination and discipline in schools. Studies from organizations such as GLSEN and the National Center for Transgender Equality indicate that transgender students, especially Black and Latinx transgender youth, experience significantly higher suspension and expulsion rates compared to their cisgender peers. These disparities in discipline contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, further marginalizing already vulnerable students. The removal of gender-inclusive policies exacerbates these issues by denying students access to affirming spaces, leading to increased rates of absenteeism and lower academic performance. The restriction on parental rights concerning gender identity will disproportionately impact Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ students, who already encounter systemic barriers to supportive educational environments. This policy, therefore, amplifies existing educational inequities and fosters an exclusionary school climate that marginalizes students with multiple intersecting identities.

Conclusion & Recommendations for Activism

To combat the impact of this executive order, public awareness campaigns should be launched using the hashtag #TeachTruth14190 to spread awareness about the executive order's effect on racial and educational justice. Direct action efforts should mobilize parents, educators, and students to testify at school board meetings and advocate for the protection of culturally responsive teaching. Legislative advocacy is crucial in pressuring state and local governments to pass laws that protect anti-racist and inclusive education, ensuring that public schools do not become sites of exclusionary narratives.

Same-letter advocacy initiatives should encourage concerned citizens to send letters to their representatives demanding the repeal of Executive Order 14190 and the preservation of racial justice education in schools. These letters should highlight key points, such as the suppression of discussions on systemic racism, the impact on marginalized students, and the need for historically accurate and inclusive curricula. Providing a template with suggested language, including personal stories from students, educators, and parents, can make advocacy efforts more effective. Activists should emphasize the importance of an equitable education system that does not erase the lived experiences of historically marginalized groups. These letters should highlight key points, such as the suppression of discussions on systemic racism, the impact on marginalized students, and the need for historically accurate and inclusive curricula. Providing a template with suggested language, including personal stories from students, educators, and parents, can make advocacy efforts more effective. Activists should emphasize the importance of an equitable education system that does not erase the lived experiences of historically marginalized groups. Additionally, community partnerships should be formed with racial justice organizations, teachers' unions, and student groups to amplify resistance efforts. By taking these collective actions, activists can work to ensure that all students receive an education that accurately reflects history, systemic injustices, and pathways toward equity. This executive order represents a direct attack on racial justice in education, making sustained activism at the local, state, and national levels essential in preserving an equitable learning environment for all students.