Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent sends email to staff doubling down on DEI

On January 29, 2025, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid sent an email to staff that appeared to attack executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. When discussing the administration’s pause to federal grants, she stated:

As an example of these federal grants, 60% of our meals program is funded by the federal government. This program provides 120,000 meals a day which includes feeding close to 68,000 students who qualify for free and reduced meals. For some children this is the only nutritious food they are receiving. We trust that the federal government realizes that students need to be well fed in order to focus during the school day, and to maximize their ability to learn. While we work to get clarification, please be assured that we will continue to take care of our children.

This is despite the Trump administration making it clear that certain funding for necessities would not be impacted. She then appeared to double down on DEI initiatives in spite of new executive orders:

Community members have expressed that they are worried about risks to their families and children, others have lost federal jobs, and some of you may be concerned that our ongoing commitment to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive teaching, learning, and work environment is in jeopardy. I want to reassure you that we remain resolutely committed to providing a world-class educational experience for our students – each and every one of them – in a safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff. Let me be clear that our mission driven work rooted in excellence, equity, and opportunity will continue.

She notably still has the phrase “Excellence * Equity * Opportunity” in her email signature.