How Schools Can Protect Equity Under Executive Order 14280

Executive Order 14280 Protection for Schools

When President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14280 in April 2025, titled “Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies,” it marked a sharp shift in federal school discipline guidance. The order removed prior requirements that encouraged schools to consider racial disparities in disciplinary outcomes—stating instead that discipline should be applied strictly based on behavior, not demographic data.

While some hailed this as a return to consistency and fairness, many educators and advocates are sounding the alarm. The reason? Black students have historically faced disproportionately harsh discipline, and the rollback of equity-based considerations under Executive Order 14280 could make those disparities even worse.

This blog explores how school leaders and educators can stay in compliance with the new federal mandate while continuing to protect students from unfair treatment and advance educational equity.

What Is Executive Order 14280?

Executive Order 14280 is a federal directive that revokes previous guidance focused on eliminating racial disparities in school discipline. Instead, it directs schools to apply the same rules uniformly to all students, without factoring in demographic trends or systemic bias.

The order claims to restore school safety by removing what it calls “ideological interference.” But data shows that Black students, particularly boys, are more likely to be suspended, expelled, or referred to law enforcement for the same behaviors exhibited by their white peers. Removing equity tools could allow those trends to worsen unchecked.

6 Steps Schools Can Take to Maintain Equity

Despite the implications of Executive Order 14280, there are still powerful ways schools can ensure fair and inclusive learning environments. Here’s how:

1. Follow State and Local Equity Laws

Many states, like California and Illinois, have their own laws to reduce racial disparities in discipline. These laws often prohibit suspensions for vague offenses like “willful defiance.” Schools should review their local regulations and ensure that school policies align with these protections—even while adhering to federal requirements.

2. Train Staff on Implicit Bias

Ongoing professional development is key. Teachers and school leaders must learn to recognize how implicit bias and cultural misunderstanding affect disciplinary decisions. Training should cover culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed care, and strategies to de-escalate behavior before it leads to removal from the classroom.

3. Adopt Restorative Justice and SEL

Instead of relying on suspension or expulsion, use restorative justice practices that emphasize relationship-building and accountability. These can include:

• Restorative circles
• Conflict resolution meetings
• Peer mediation
  Social-emotional learning (SEL) also plays a role by helping students manage emotions, build empathy, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Promoting Positive Racial Teacher Student Classroom Relationships
•  

4. Track and Analyze Discipline Data

While Executive Order 14280 limits demographic considerations in disciplinary decisions, schools can still track outcomes. Monitoring trends by race, gender, and disability ensures transparency and helps identify potential inequities early. Establish a Discipline Equity Review Committee to review this data and recommend solutions.

5. Engage Students and Families

Equity isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. Create space for student and family voices by establishing equity councils, hosting forums, and conducting surveys. Include those most affected by discipline practices—especially Black students and parents—in conversations about school climate and discipline reform.

6. Communicate Transparently

Schools should publish annual discipline reports that include disaggregated data, highlight progress, and outline future goals. Sharing this information builds trust and shows a continued commitment to fairness—even under Executive Order 14280.

Why This Matters

Educators are more than rule enforcers—they are community builders. While Executive Order 14280 changes how the federal government approaches school discipline, it does not prohibit schools from continuing their work toward racial justice.

By combining compliance with strategic equity practices, schools can support all students—especially those who have historically faced disproportionate discipline. The key is to remain intentional, data-driven, and deeply committed to every student’s right to a fair and supportive education.

Have thoughts about Executive Order 14280 or strategies your school is using to maintain equity? Share them in the comments below or contact us to collaborate on resources.

Dr. Derrick Campbell

CEO