Hello friends and family! It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog. Now that I have handed over the baton of Board President at Fontana USD, I’ll have more time to dedicate to writing on various topics. This blog will try to explain one of the many Executive Orders signed by President Trump.

For 39+ years of my career, I have worked in communities of color to support families and individuals in becoming strong leaders, advocates for underserved children, self-sufficient, and confident to create change in their communities. As you all know, each time there is a leadership change at the federal level, the pendulum swings in a different direction.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” which revoked several directives from the previous administration, including Executive Order 13985. This order aimed to advance racial equity and support underserved communities, a goal that led to the creation of programs addressing systemic inequities across various sectors, including education. Its rescission will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. The new order also mandates ending all federal DEI or environmental justice positions and services within 60 days and assessing whether any programs were rebranded to preserve their previous function. As Kevin Gordon, President of Capitol Advisors Group, noted, even education programs promoting a diverse educator workforce and approaches that consider students’ backgrounds may now be at risk.

To understand the impact, it is crucial to consider the original intent of Executive Order 13985. This order sought to eliminate barriers for historically marginalized communities by increasing federal support for initiatives that targeted inequities. For example, grants aimed at promoting equity provided crucial resources for schools in disadvantaged areas, while data-driven strategies illuminated systemic disparities and drove accountability. These efforts were not just abstract policy goals but practical tools that directly benefited families and students in need.

The rescission of this order signals a significant shift in federal priorities, with several key consequences for education. Equity-focused initiatives that supported marginalized students will face a steep decline, reducing opportunities for targeted funding and resources. Locally, we have already witnessed districts like Chino Valley, Temecula Valley, and Murrieta Valley scale back their DEI initiatives. The emphasis on building a diverse educator workforce and designing culturally responsive approaches is now in jeopardy, weakening the support systems that have been instrumental in fostering inclusive educational environments.

One of the most concerning changes is the reduction in federal data reporting requirements. Collecting data to monitor and address disparities has been a cornerstone of transparency and progress. Without this focus, it will become increasingly difficult to identify areas needing improvement. This lack of data-driven accountability risks reversing years of progress in creating equitable systems.

Reflecting on my own experience, I’ve seen firsthand how equity-focused programs transform lives. I remember a district where federal grants funded mentorship programs that connected students from underserved communities with college-educated role models. These programs didn’t just close achievement gaps but also inspired students to believe in their potential. The thought of losing such initiatives is heartbreaking.

Despite these challenges, I believe local school districts can and should take proactive steps to continue advancing equity. Grassroots efforts can play a pivotal role in filling the gap left by federal retrenchment. For parents, this might mean joining or forming equity-focused committees at their children’s schools. Educators can advocate for professional development opportunities that prioritize inclusivity, while community members can partner with local businesses and nonprofits to fund programs at risk of losing federal support. Collaboration and creativity will be essential to sustaining these vital efforts.

In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, there are already examples of communities stepping up. Some districts have partnered with local organizations to create equity task forces, ensuring the voices of students and families are heard. Others are leveraging state grants to preserve initiatives that federal funding once supported. These grassroots actions remind us of the power we hold to create change from the ground up.

Beyond education, the ripple effects of rescinding Executive Order 13985 could extend into workforce diversity, community health programs, and environmental justice efforts. These interconnected challenges highlight the importance of advocating for equity across all sectors. By maintaining a focus on these broader implications, we can work toward systemic change even in the absence of federal support.

So, when given lemons, we must make lemonade. Despite these setbacks, I encourage each of you to remain engaged, informed, and active. Advocate for local policies that promote equity, attend school board meetings, and support initiatives that uplift underserved communities. Together, we can sustain the progress made and continue to work toward a more just and equitable future.