President Donald Trump’s executive order signed on Wednesday cited a policy made by the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) that aims to support all gender identities in the districts’ schools.
This policy, titled “Resolution in support of transgender, nonbinary, and all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, plus (LGBTQ+) students,” was enacted in May 2021, which aimed to create an inclusive environment for all students regardless of gender or sexual identity.
“The Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education affirms, supports, and values the gender identities and gender expressions of all our students,” the policy stated.
Trump’s executive order, titled “Ending radical indoctrination in K-12 schools,” denounced this policy, claiming the district encouraged schools to “disrupt the gender binary” by encouraging students to embrace different gender identities.
The executive order also listed a policy at Harrisonburg City Public Schools in Virginia that required teachers to use students’ preferred names and pronouns.
Trump’s executive order aims to eliminate funding and support for “illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools.”
MMSD Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard responded to Trump’s order in a press release on Friday, saying the district would not be changing any policy or procedure based on the new directives.
“We recognize the growing fear and uncertainty among many families in our district and assure you that MMSD remains deeply committed to providing every student with a safe, inclusive, and opportunity-rich learning environment that supports their academic and personal development,” Gothard said.
Nichelle Nichols, president of the MMSD Board of Education, said in a statement following the executive order the district has a responsibility to provide a welcoming learning environment for all students.
“Through strategic resource allocation, we ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students, supporting their individual needs and potential,” she said. “We stand united against all forms of discrimination, bias, and exclusion.
The order also works to prevent the teaching of critical race theory, the analysis of U.S. history and institutions through the lens of racism.
Some MMSD schools, including Madison East High School and Vel Phillips Memorial High School, have been offering AP African American Studies since fall 2023.
The executive order gives Trump’s incoming pick for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, 90 days to advise the president on future policy related to “ending indoctrination.”
