The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), California's second-largest school system, has recently garnered national attention following the release of its Equity & Belonging resources. Aimed at elementary and middle school students, the materials cover a range of topics including multiple genders and a multitude of sexual orientations. This move has incited a wave of concern from parental rights advocates and conservative commentators, who argue that the initiative introduces political and gender ideology to young students.
The controversy arises as the Trump administration continues to clamp down on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within K-12 education. Parental rights group Defending Education has labeled the SDUSD's resource hub as an "engine for ideology," accusing it of promoting a far-left political agenda. According to The Washington Times, the program introduces nine genders and 28 "youth sexual orientations," with lessons targeted at students as young as third grade on topics ranging from transgender issues to social justice concepts.
Despite the backlash, the district stands by its initiative. The Equity & Belonging site articulates SDUSD's commitment to creating equitable and inclusive schools, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive in school and life. The district underscores that the lessons are crafted to dispel misinformation and combat discriminatory behavior, with early instruction aiming to cultivate understanding and inclusion of LGBT individuals.
Erika Sanzi, senior director of communications for Defending Education, has voiced her concern, stating that introducing multiple genders and sexual orientations to young students "goes beyond education and ventures into ideological advocacy," potentially undermining the trust between families and educators.
The initiative, led by Executive Director Ebonee Weathers, involves the Ethnic Studies Department and the Department of Restorative Justice Practices. It includes contributions from external organizations such as the Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign, and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Among the lessons is "It's Lit Jr.," which delves into topics like "Transgender Children in the Boy Scouts," Latinx history, and profiles of influential young female leaders like former First Lady Michelle Obama.
SDUSD's release of these materials coincides with federal actions targeting DEI and gender ideology in schools. In January, President Trump signed the executive order "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," instructing federal agencies to cease funding for programs that promote "gender ideology" or discriminatory equity practices, while reinforcing parental oversight in education. This order also revived the 1776 Commission to promote patriotic civics instruction across the nation.
The Department of Education has taken further steps to eliminate DEI references from its communications, archive related guidance, and place staff overseeing such programs on administrative leave. This represents a significant federal move against DEI initiatives.
Critics caution that SDUSD's materials may conflict with these federal directives, potentially inviting scrutiny or governmental intervention. Proponents of the federal policy contend that limiting DEI permits schools to concentrate on academics and honor parental rights. With approximately 121,000 students, SDUSD's curriculum decisions are a prominent example in the ongoing national discourse over DEI, gender ideology, and parental influence in education.
