Executive Orders and P–12 Schools:

What They Are, What They Are Not, and How School Social Workers Can Respond

Executive orders (EOs) are official directives issued by the President or a state governor to manage how government agencies carry out existing laws. While they can influence how policies are enforced, EOs do not create new laws and cannot override statutes passed by Congress or state legislatures. Understanding this distinction is crucial—EOs are tools of the executive branch, but they remain subject to legal review. In times of uncertainty, especially when EOs impact P–12 schools, it is essential for School Social Workers (SSWers) to stay informed, grounded, and focused on our professional mission.

Recent EOs affecting schools have addressed issues such as student rights, diversity and inclusion, curriculum content, public health measures, discipline, and immigration policy. Here are some of the most recent EOs

Date Issued	Executive Order	Summary
January 29, 2025	EO 14190: Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooling	Prohibits federal funding for schools promoting "gender ideology" or "discriminatory equity ideology." Reestablishes the 1776 Commission to promote "patriotic education." Directs law enforcement to investigate and prosecute educators facilitating gender transitions without parental consent.
February 14, 2025	Department of Education Directive on DEI Compliance	Requires K–12 schools to certify compliance with federal civil rights laws and end discriminatory DEI practices to receive federal funding. Noncompliance could result in loss of funding, including Title I funds for low-income schools.
April 23, 2025	EO 14200: Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth	Directs the Secretary of Education to prioritize AI-related teacher training and student instruction. Establishes a task force to integrate AI into K–12 education and develop relevant programs.
April 23, 2025	EO 14201: Reforming School Discipline Policies	Seeks to eliminate the use of “equity-based” disciplinary frameworks that, according to the order, discourage schools from enforcing discipline to avoid racial disparities. It directs the Department of Education and Attorney General to issue new guidance within 30 days and coordinate with states within 60 days. The goal is to restore discipline policies based on student behavior rather than statistical outcomes.

These directives can create confusion or even fear when they appear to conflict with existing federal law, local policies, or ethical standards. However, not every EO leads to immediate change on the ground, and not every EO requires the same kind of response. This is why SSWers must be clear about what these orders actually do—and do not do. Understanding the scope and limits of EOs allows us to respond in an informed manner.

What Can Individual Members Do?

• Stay the course. Follow the SSWAA National Model,the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and School Social Work Standards. Continue to meet the need of students and families right in front of you—that is the heart of our work.

• Stay calm and steady. Do not be swayed by changing headlines. Remain grounded and mission-focused.

• Be informed and get organized. Make it your business to read reliable information about executive orders (EOs) and legislation that impact schools. For example, set up an alert on Google so you are emailed up-to-date information to look at the situation across different states.

• Use trusted sources. Stay current through resources like Education Week, your state’s department of education, NASW, ACLU, and credible legal briefings.

• Connect with your colleagues. Engage with others in your local district and at the state level—SSWers know systems and how to work together effectively.

• Advocate for change. Join your state and national School Social Work association to be part of the effort to bring about change. 

• Assess the issue before responding. Determine whether the situation calls for collective advocacy or whether the best response is to continue doing the work quietly and ethically.

• Remember that resistance takes many forms. Sometimes the most powerful response is to stay committed to our mission, caring for students and families despite external pressures.

What is SSWAA Doing?

Your national organization, the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), is committed to walking alongside you in this work. Here’s how SSWAA will support members in this moment:

• Staying Informed: We are actively tracking EOs and legislation at the federal and state levels.

• Listening to Our Members: Your voices matter. We are committed to listening and responding to the concerns of SSWs across the country.

• Participating Strategically: SSWAA is engaged in coalitions and participates in legislative Hill visits to ensure your perspective is represented.

• Staying Factual: We will share accurate data and analysis to help you separate fact from fear.

• Determining a Thoughtful Response: Whether it is staying the course, quietly doing the work, or taking advocacy to the Hill, we are carefully assessing each situation and communicating our approach.

• Implementing a Legislative Plan and Committees: Our active legislative committee continues to develop advocacy strategies and share policy updates.

• Supporting State-Level Efforts: We are sharing timely information and tools with state associations to strengthen local responses and advocacy efforts.

Together, We Stay Strong

This is a marathon, not a sprint. Build your capacity for sustained involvement by staying engaged with SSWAA—join a committee, participate in member forums, and connect with others who share your passion for this work. SSWAA will continue to create spaces for members to support one another and be heard. To help us continue to monitor the situation, SSWAA has created a form for school social workers to share their lived experiences with the SSWAA staff and the Board. In times of uncertainty, we lean on each other, and we keep showing up for the children, families, and communities we serve.