Peoria Unified examines effect of Trump’s ‘indoctrination’ executive order

By Philip Haldiman
Mail | X: @PhilipHaldiman

Through his “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” executive order, President Donald Trump says he will pull federal funds from schools that do not abide by the order.

For Peoria Unified School District, the order could become a flashpoint as transgender issues have been a lightening rod in school board meetings and on social media, and where multiple perspectives on American history have been challenged.

The district receives $54.6 million in federal funding, almost 20% of its budget.

The order specifically includes following rules based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology, as well as what Trump calls “patriotic education” designed to, according to Section 1 of the order, “instill a patriotic admiration for our incredible nation and the values for which we stand.”

Peoria Unified spokeswoman Danielle Airey said the district continues to monitor the frequent changes at the federal level, including the executive orders impacting education.

“We are awaiting additional information,” she said.

The order states that within 90 days of its signing, multiple agencies must provide an “Ending Indoctrination Strategy” to the president.

Peoria Unified governing board member Melissa Ewing said she supports PUSD’s focus on teaching materials based on Arizona state standards, and using resources that meet the needs of the district’s diverse learners.

Schools must prioritize student academic success and ensure a safe, supportive classroom environment where every student is “seen, heard, and valued,” and is free from unfair treatment or bullying, Ewing said.

“I support the use of strict requirements in choosing curriculum that emphasizes materials be based on valid, scientifically backed, and peer reviewed, and of course is compliant with state, federal, district laws and guidelines,” she said. “I am confidant that Peoria Unified remains committed to rigor in education, safety of all students, and student success and will demand that we stay focused and steadfast on providing the best and safe education environment for all students.”

Governing board member Becky Proudfit said with changes in the federal and education landscapes, the district will work to continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities for its students while ensuring the district is in alignment with state and federal statutes.

“As a board member and parent in PUSD, I take issue with anyone who would claim our teachers or staff are seeking to indoctrinate our students. Furthermore, helping kids develop the necessary skills of critical thinking is paramount to our students being ready to face the challenges of today’s world,” Proudfit said. “I would like to see the community productively engage in a continuing conversation of how the different programs can uphold one another rather than tear each other down. While reform is necessary, it can only be done when we care more for the outcome for our students then we do about being right.”

The Human Rights Campaign has come out against the executive order stating it attempts to dictate to students, their parents and educators what they can read, learn, say, and who they can be. HRC says it uses inflammatory and dangerous language to bully LGBTQ+ youth and allies who attempt to support them, and attempts to censor fact-based curriculum that teaches about U.S. history.

HRC says the executive order “calls the concept of gender identity part of a ‘radical-anti-American ideology’ that encourages students to ‘question whether to view their parents and their reality as enemies to be blamed.’ It calls respect for transgender students and curriculum relating to our country’s history of racism ‘anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies.’ It falsely implies that educators are ‘steering’ students toward surgery without parental consent or involvement, and states that demanding acquiescence to ‘White Privilege’ or ‘unconscious bias,’ actually promotes racial discrimination and undermines national unity,” according to HRC.

Regarding “patriotic education,” National Education Association President Becky Pringle said in a statement the executive order silences and punishes educators for teaching the truth.

NEA is the largest teachers union in the country, advocates for public education policies and lobbies for education legislation.

NEA said the executive order cites a number of unfounded claims Trump has made in recent years alleging schools are taking part in widespread ideological indoctrination of students and that they’re forcing students to question their gender identity.

Pringle said Trump and his allies are trying to punish educators for ensuring schools are a safe space where all students — regardless of gender identity or race — have a sense of belonging.

“At a time when our students need us most and when parents and educators are working together tirelessly to do everything we can to support them, this administration continues to take action that aims only to distract and divide us,” according to the statement.

The money the state’s schools get from the federal government is not insignificant. Statewide almost $2.5 billion in federal money was appropriated to the Arizona Department of Education for fiscal year 2024, according to a fiscal policy analysis from the Arizona Legislature’s joint legislative budget committee

A spokesperson from State Superintendent Tom Horne’s office said they were examining the executive order and would have a more detailed comment at a later time.

“Supt. Horne and department leadership are reviewing the executive orders and we will have more detailed comment later. Supt. Horne is a strong supporter of school choice and is opposed to the elements of Social Emotional Learning and Critical Race Theory being in the classroom,” according to the statement.

Newly elected Peoria Unified governing board member Jeff Tobey said as a father and as a board member, his priority is making sure Peoria’s schools provide a great education while keeping students safe.

“The board can only act as a team, and I am certain the team will receive legal guidance on what this executive order means for our district,” he said. “No matter what, I will work to ensure we continue to follow the law, lead with excellence, and make Peoria Unified the leader in school safety.”

Editor's note: News Editor Steve Stockmar contributed to this report.

Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on X @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Philip Haldiman
Senior News Editor | Peoria

phaldiman@iniusa.org

Meet Philip
Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley. Before that, he was a freelance writer.

Community: Haldiman spearheads the Peoria Independent Hometown Heroes Awards program, honoring local individuals and businesses that give back to the community. He has hosted local candidate forums over the years and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Haldiman also served as a member of the Journalism Program Community Advisory Board at Glendale Community College. Outside journalism, Haldiman served as a member of the city of Peoria Complete Count Committee for the Census, 2019-2020. Lastly, he has served as a member of his HOA governing board since 2021.

Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a BA in Theater. 

Random Fact: Haldiman is a fourth-generation Arizonan as well as wrote and produced an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.

Hobbies: He enjoys hiking Arizona’s mountainous landscapes and is currently working on a play for the stage.