Parents and pupils: Hinder anti-dei activities at DOD schools
Parents and pupils: Hinder anti-dei activities at DOD schools
Current guidelines of the pentagon have direct effects on the students at the schools of the Ministry of Defense worldwide and are concerned with students and parents that they are disadvantaged by attending these schools. Many changes result from President Donald Trump's executive order, which prohibits programs or initiatives in connection with diversity, equality and inclusion (Dei). In addition, the policies of the Pentagon, which provide a freeze for the credit cards of civilian employees and the civil workforce, also affect families of the Ministry of Defense.
influence on student athletes and curricula
The latest measures by the pentagon under Defense Minister Pete Hegseth briefly affected the journey of school athletes to competitions in Europe. The availability of at least one AP course is also affected, since parents and students report that certain teaching content is no longer offered on topics such as gender and sexuality. This also applies to school clubs and the selection of books in the school libraries.
feedback from parents and students
A civilian ministry of the Ministry of Defense in Germany, whose child is a 10th grade student, expressed: "These children at the schools of the [Department of Defense Education Activity] bear the main burden of the decisions of this administration." He also noticed that schools in the United States were less affected by some political changes in the administration, while Dodea schools are subject to direct specifications. "A decree is issued here and must be followed. It is not a matter in the state - it comes directly from an authorized body above the school. This is worrying."
organized protests and your message
The negative sensations about these guidelines led to organized protests at more than a dozen Dodea schools worldwide. "We stood for every voice that was silenced. For every story that was wiped out. For every student who was said that he was not part of it," was a message on a public Instagram page for documenting the protests. "We have taken to the streets because our schools should be places of learning and not censorship."
exclusion of AP courses
Students and parents believe that the changes in their schools disadvantage students compared to their peers in the United States. Several parents and students reported CNN that the AP course is no longer offered at Dodea schools. A Dodea student said: "I was looking forward to proving AP psychology, and it is disappointing that I cannot take the course that I wanted." She expressed frustration about the unequal educational opportunities: "We already have fewer opportunities than schools in America, and now our offer is further restricted."
official statements and future plans
Will Griffin, a spokesman for Dodea, emphasized: "The focus is on everything we do at Dodea, and we will continue to maintain a learning environment in which all students learn, grow and prepare for success in study and work." In addition, Griffin informed that Dodea continued the planning of AP Psychology for the school year 2025-2026 with College Board.
concern about the future of the students
students express their opinions
In the course of the new guidelines, the number of students, which participated in the protests in Dodea schools worldwide, increased. A student described how measures that were implemented in February led to events such as Black History Month canceled and clubs were dissolved. "It's not about politics. It's about protecting every student's rights regardless of his identity," said another student who protested in South Korea.
implications for teachers and students
According to the students, the political changes have also affected teachers' ability to communicate with the students. It was reported that teachers were instructed to address transgender students with the names and pronouns that were assigned to them at birth instead of their chosen names or pronouns. "Transgender students at my school have to be addressed according to their birth name, which is alarming due to the high suicide rates among young people," reported a university entrance qualification.
conclusion
The challenges that the students and their families are at Dodea schools are raising serious questions about the quality of education and taking into account the needs of a diverse student body. It remains to be seen how the responsible bodies will react to the concerns and demands of the students and parents.
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