Trump Attacks Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ Students With Executive Order

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 30, 2025) — Public education advocacy group the Alliance for Quality Education issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s executive order on “indoctrination” in public schools:

“With its latest Executive Order, the Trump administration is deliberately fueling racism, homophobia, and identity-based hate—all the more reprehensible for couching it in language of ‘equity,’ ‘defending women,’ and countering ‘discrimination.’

“We refuse to stand by as they attack Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ children and attempt to divide and destabilize our schools and communities,” said Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O’Malley, Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education. “This was predictable. Their goal with the flurry of executive orders is clear: to sow chaos, fear, and helplessness. Whether or not they hold up in court is not the point; by spreading lies and misinformation, Trump wants to erode our trust in government, so that our collective efforts to fight back are lost in the confusion.

“Public schools nationwide have faced relentless right-wing attacks aimed at undoing the progress made by parents, students, and educators toward creating anti-racist, truth-based education. Whitewashing history only ensures that we repeat past mistakes. In contrast, teaching an honest, inclusive history dismantles harmful myths and stereotypes, affirms the identities of all students, and fosters an environment where they can learn with dignity. More importantly, it empowers students to challenge inequality and recognize the ongoing struggle for justice.

“Here are the facts: Congress—not the president—decides education funding. New York State has significant power to safeguard and support our communities. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines.

“Call your Member of Congress and demand they reject Trump’s executive order withholding public school funding. Tell Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams that complacency is not an option. They must respond with unwavering resolve. New York’s leaders must stand firm in protecting our children.”