Interim Superintendent John Robidoux and other leaders in town are reacting to the Trump administration’s latest order against diversity, equity and inclusion. Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor sent a letter on Feb. 14 saying that elementary, secondary and higher education schools that receive federal funding must cancel all DEI-related policies or programming by Feb. 28 or risk losing that funding.
Marblehead schools received $947,992 in federal funding in fiscal 2025, according to Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin.
The DOE letter stated that the federal government now considers any policy “motivated by racial consideration” in violation of civil rights law.
It’s not clear whether the DOE order would lead to the canceling of next year’s Black History Month lessons being taught now in Marblehead schools. Or if it would shutter student clubs like Team Harmony, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Jewish Student Council and the Students of Color Association at MHS. Also at question: Could the new order impact METCO, the program that brings students from Boston neighborhoods to suburban schools?
Asked by the Current how the DOE letter might impact Marblehead schools, Robidoux wrote, “Until or unless the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or legal counsel indicates otherwise, we will continue to operate with the understanding that our current funding remains in place and will continue to ensure that all students, staff and community partners feel a sense of belonging are included, that their adverse needs are recognized and that all are provided with equitable teaching and learning opportunities.”
Robidoux said he would be reaching out to the state’s Department of Early and Secondary Education for guidance.
School Committee member Al Williams said, “We’re concerned about this, obviously, and we’re looking to work with DESE and MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) as we go forward.”
What about METCO?
METCO President Milly Arbaje-Thomas hopes school districts will resist the order to drop DEI.
“I am completely opposed to the words DEI being removed from any vocabulary as they symbolize something positive and inclusive of all diverse perspectives and people,” she said. “Also it’s important to understand that these words were created because of the historical context of racism and exclusion for certain people from necessary opportunities. There are more important things to fight against in this country. Removing the words DEI is not what we need to focus on as a nation. It deeply saddens me.”
Town-wide budget impact?
In addition to public schools, the Trump administration has threatened local governments, businesses and private universities to end all DEI-related programs or risk losing federal money.
In Marblehead, the town is collecting $1,121,743 in federal funds in 2025, with most going to the schools.
Select Board Chair Erin Noonan, who specified that she was speaking for herself and not the board, said the town will not abandon its DEI programs and events, like the Pride flag rising.
“I have no concerns about any of the town boards being hindered by Trump’s absurd war on ‘inclusion,'” Noonan wrote in an email. “I have far more anxiety about the existential threat he represents to our country’s democracy.”
