Public schools and colleges have been told to ban any DEI initiatives, according to a letter from the U.S. Department of Education. An acronym for the principles “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” the overarching goal of DEI has been to bridge gaps.
“DEI programs–meant to address historical and systemic disparities based on race, gender, age, ability and sexual orientation,” Britannica defined.
However, DEI has recently become more of a political focal point than a broad reference to inclusive efforts. The connotation has shifted, along with the presidential administration’s description of it.
“Forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,’” one executive order stated.
This characterization of DEI represents an ideological switch – from being seen as a way to address societal inequities to a perpetrator of discrimination.
As a way to address inequities, DEI employees have roles such as advocating for nondiscrimination policies and training. Many of these workers on the federal level have been placed on leave and anything “DEI” has a target on it for elimination. One executive order stated the goal of Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. In the stream of orders, education also comes into focus with Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling.
As the administration takes action against the existence of DEI, the UA City Schools District is faced with the question of how to comply with any potential new directives.
Chief Excellence and Engagement Officer for Upper Arlington, Dr. Denise Lutz, described how the district works to take any adjustments into consideration.
“We are currently receiving guidance from state organizations, agencies and from our legal counsel,” she said. “As more details about the current orders become available over the next 90 days, we will compare them to the current practices of the district.”
Lutz emphasized that the unwavering goal for UA is always to support students.
“Whatever an individual’s current political affiliations or beliefs may be, the fact does not change that we have a responsibility to all of our students in [the district],” Lutz said. “We value the differences in every student, and…we want everyone to feel that they are valued, heard and included in opportunities to drive decision-making processes that impact their education.”
Jenny McKenna, president of UA’s Board of Education, echoed this statement.
“As a public school district, we are subject to changes in public policy,” she said. “However, our commitment to the best possible education remains unchanged. We remain steadfast in providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all.”
English teacher Dorothy Sutton has taught the Hidden Voices English option at UAHS, which highlights marginalized groups. Although the course won’t be run again next year due to decreased enrollment, Sutton shed light on the importance of diverse perspectives in education.
“Seeing different walks of life can really expand our horizons and give us a broader perspective on the world. And if we can’t leave Upper Arlington, we can go there through books, right?” she said. “We can experience Indigenous voices, AAPI voices, neurodivergent voices, through their writing.”
Sutton gave insight on her view of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a value set.
“It seems to have become political when I’m not sure that it needs to be,” she said. “If we think of DEI as representative of our population, that includes all types of people – different socioeconomic statuses, diverse religions and cultures, because America is a very diverse place, and I would suppose that DEI works to mirror that.”
Some of the Trump administration’s recent efforts indicate a focus on ideology and identity. Students across the country and in Ohio could feel disheartened or targeted by the current administration’s rhetoric.
Lutz described UA’s dedication to making sure that students feel safe.
“It is important that all students feel connected and that they belong in our district. This value will not waver,” she said.
McKenna shared a similar message for UA students.
“We value each of you, and are dedicated to ensuring our schools are places where everyone can thrive.”
Sutton also reassured students that an inclusive and safe environment for education will remain.
“All of our students should know that we teachers support them and want them here. And you all are the reason we’re teachers,” she said. “Every student is well-loved here, and teachers come here for all of you. So I wouldn’t want anyone to discount themselves, because everybody matters.”
