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Evanston districts say they will monitor federal executive orders while maintaining inclusive programs
Summary
At a joint meeting, representatives from Evanston Township High School District 202 and Evanston/Skokie District 65 said they will continue inclusive policies and monitor federal executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion and gender‑inclusive programs while relying on legal counsel and court outcomes to guide any formal changes.
Representatives of Evanston Township High School District 202 and Evanston/Skokie District 65 discussed federal executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion and gender‑inclusive initiatives at a joint board meeting, and said they will continue current policies while watching legal developments.
Board and staff leaders said the districts are committed to inclusive learning environments for students and staff, emphasized that federal guidance and "dear colleague" letters do not themselves change existing law, and said they will monitor legal and administrative developments before altering programs.
The districts' statement came after District 65 board member Sergio read a prepared statement expressing the district's commitment to "joyful, enriching, and high quality" education for every child and to maintaining policies that support safety and inclusion for students of all backgrounds. "We will continue to follow our current policies, procedures, and curriculum, which are deeply aligned to our organizational and community values, as well as Illinois state laws and educational requirements," Sergio said.
Dr. Campbell, speaking for ETHS administration, described the orders as a "particular challenge" and said the district does not yet know what the consequences will be. "There are more questions than answers," Campbell said, adding that the district is preparing to respond and will "watch the courts, and listen to our attorneys."
During the discussion, a board member identified as Gretchen underscored the legal point: "Executive orders and dear colleague letters do not carry the force of law," she said, noting that federal civil‑rights statutes and Illinois law remain binding until changed by statute or a court.
Board members and civic officials who spoke at the meeting framed the issue as one of values and student welfare. Multiple speakers emphasized that the districts will continue to prioritize services, supports and programming used to address documented racial disparities and the social‑emotional needs of students.
The boards agreed to continue coordinating with shared legal counsel, monitor enforcement actions such as Office for Civil Rights complaints, and await further authoritative guidance or court rulings before making any formal program changes.
