WALLED LAKE, Mich. — A parent is raising concerns over a homework assignment recently distributed at Walled Lake Northern High School, calling it inappropriate and out of step with prior federal directives under former President Donald Trump.
The assignment, which was provided to students and shared with this outlet by a concerned parent, drew criticism for containing what the parent described as objectionable material.
The assignment asks students to list three TV shows or movies and identify the main and secondary characters, along with their characteristics such as race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other traits.
According to the parent, some teachers within Walled Lake Consolidated Schools also privately disagree with the curriculum but are reluctant to speak out publicly.
In response to the concerns, the district issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to working collaboratively with families.
“In Walled Lake Schools we value our longstanding tradition of being partners with our families,” School District Spokesperson Dan Durkin said in the statement. “As part of that partnership, families are encouraged to reach out to their building administrator with any questions or concerns.”
The nature of the specific content in the assignment was not detailed in the district’s statement.
In his second term, President Donald Trump has enacted a series of policies significantly altering the landscape of education concerning diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and gender identity. These measures have sparked widespread debate and legal challenges across the nation.
Crackdown on DEI Initiatives
On April 23, 2025, President Trump signed executive orders intensifying oversight of U.S. colleges and targeting DEI initiatives in education. These actions aim to dismantle DEI practices within higher education institutions, threatening to withdraw federal funding from universities that fail to disclose foreign financial contributions and comply with new accreditation standards discouraging diversity considerations. The administration advocates for "intellectual diversity" among faculty and emphasizes student outcomes without regard to race or gender .
Revisions to Title IX and Gender Identity Policies
The administration has redefined federal interpretations of Title IX, focusing on biological sex assigned at birth. Executive Order 14201, signed in February 2025, prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams. Additionally, schools are now required to inform parents if a student requests to be referred to by a different name or pronoun, raising concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates about student safety and privacy .
Executive Order 14190: "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling"
Signed on January 29, 2025, this executive order prohibits K-12 schools from teaching material deemed "anti-American" or promoting "gender ideology" and critical race theory. It directs law enforcement to investigate and potentially prosecute educators who "unlawfully facilitate" the social transition of transgender minors, including actions like using preferred names or pronouns. Schools found in violation risk losing federal funding .
Impact on Educational Institutions and Legal Responses
These policy shifts have led to increased scrutiny and legal challenges. For instance, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting the executive order that directs federal agencies to withhold funding from educational institutions allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports . Educational institutions are navigating these changes amid concerns over compliance, student rights, and potential loss of federal support.
