in effect
This is Executive Order 14190, “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” signed January 29, 2025 and published in the Federal Register on February 3, 2025. It directs federal agencies to identify and cut off federal funding that supports what it calls “gender ideology” and “discriminatory equity ideology” in K-12 schools, and it revives a commission to promote “patriotic education.” An executive order is a directive from the President to federal agencies; it does not by itself pass a new law.
Within 90 days, the Secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services (consulting the Attorney General) must deliver an “Ending Indoctrination Strategy” listing federal funding streams tied to those ideologies and each agency’s process to prevent or rescind that funding “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,” including funds tied to a minor’s “social transition” or to concealing it from parents. It instructs the Attorney General to coordinate with state and local prosecutors to bring cases against school staff for offenses such as sexually exploiting minors, practicing medicine without a license, or unlawfully facilitating a minor’s social transition. It reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission (up to 20 unpaid members, 2-year terms), which the Secretary of Education must set up in the Department of Education within 120 days, tasked with items like a “Presidential 1776 Award” and biweekly lectures broadcast during 2026 for the nation’s 250th anniversary. It also orders agencies to monitor and enforce an existing law requiring schools that get federal funds to hold a Constitution program each September 17, and to prioritize funding for named civics and history programs. The order defines key terms, such as “discriminatory equity ideology” (an eight-part list) and “social transition,” which it says does not include chemical or surgical procedures.
K-12 public schools and the state, local, and regional education agencies that receive federal funds are the main targets, since their funding and practices are what the review examines. Teachers and school officials could face legal action referred by the order, and parents are cited as gaining protection under existing laws (FERPA, PPRA, Title VI, Title IX). The order also tasks specific federal officials and creates roles on the new 1776 Commission; it states it creates no legally enforceable rights and is subject to available funding and existing law.