“Teaching coping skills and how to advocate for one’s needs is not a form of rebellion in schools.”
In this article published on the NEA Today, Brenda Alvarez discusses the increasing attacks on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by certain extremist groups and lawmakers, highlighting the way these attacks hurt students and educators.
SEL encompasses essential skills such as conflict resolution, empathy, and social engagement, which are integral to students’ personal and academic development. Despite substantial research demonstrating that SEL programs improve academic performance, reduce behavioral problems, and prepare students for future success in the workplace, opponents have increasingly targeted these initiatives as part of broader political campaigns.
Executive Order 14190 – “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” (signed by Trump on January 29, 2025) prohibits K-12 schools from teaching materials deemed “anti-American” or “subversive,” explicitly targeting concepts like “gender ideology” and critical race theory. It also directs law enforcement to investigate and prosecute educators who facilitate the social transition of transgender minors, including actions such as using a student’s preferred pronouns or allowing participation in activities aligning with their gender identity.
This was followed by Executive Order 14151 – “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”, which mandates the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within federal agencies and prohibits federal funding for DEI initiatives. The broad scope of this order encompasses educational programs like SEL, especially those incorporating DEI principles, leading to concerns about the future of such programs in schools.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights also released a letter indicating that initiatives labeled under terms like “social-emotional learning” or “culturally responsive teaching” could be scrutinized for veiling discriminatory practices. This reinterpretation has created uncertainty about the implementation of SEL programs, as they may now be subject to federal investigations if perceived as discriminatory.
Look For the Helpers
The National Education Association (NEA)
If you’re exhausted by the nonstop attacks on public education, you’re not alone. The NEA is a strong starting point for organizing, advocacy, and community.. The National Education Association (NEA) is a professional organization for educators, as well as the country’s largest labor union. It represents teachers and staff in public schools, colleges, and universities. The NEA works towards fulfilling the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.
Take Action
If you’re a teacher or you have a child in public schools, the NEA would love for you to share your story about how the Trump administration’s actions have impacted your school and students, and what you think will happen to public school students in the future, based on the actions. If SEL is a priority for you, let them know! You can choose to make your story anonymous if you are concerned about potential repurcussions.
The Impact of Trump’s Executive Orders on Public Schools and Colleges
Not sure how to frame your argument? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) can provide you with key points, infographics, and other resources to help you. Making the Case for SEL
Get Help
If you’re a member of the NEA, you can reach out to your local union and state affiliate about what legislation affects your state and what kinds of instruction are permitted. They can also offer tips to minimize backlash: ensure lessons are age-appropriate, aligned to state standards, and consistent with past practice. The NEA advises getting admin approval for potentially controversial lessons to protect yourself. If you’re in a unionized state, your union contract may even have an academic freedom clause that offers some protection.
Even if you’re not a member of the NEA, they can still provide you with resources to help you navigate controversial issues: Educator Rights to Teach Sensitive Topics
