Amity Youth Democrats respond to letter from Orange Town Republicans

ORANGE, CT — The Amity Youth Democrats have issued a firm response to a letter signed by the Orange Republican Town Committee (ORTC), which calls on the Amity Board of Education to comply with a revoked national executive order regarding educational policies. The ORTC’s letter, signed on February 20th, argues against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they promote ideological conformity, lower academic standards, and prioritize group identity over individual achievement.

In a detailed response letter, Liam Roselle, Chairman of the Amity Youth Democratic Caucus, refuted these claims and criticized the ORTC’s stance as both legally unfounded and educationally harmful. Roselle pointed out that the executive order referenced in the ORTC’s letter had already been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge due to its vagueness and potential for discrimination. He further argued that the ORTC’s push for "equal treatment" in education ignores the reality that different students require different forms of support to succeed.

“The actions taken by the committee seem to advocate for a one-size-fits-all educational system. An approach that disregards the varied needs, strengths, and challenges of individual students,” Roselle wrote. He warned that the ORTC’s approach would effectively dismantle critical programs at Amity Regional High School, such as the SAILS program, which provides specialized support for students on the autism spectrum, and Spartan Academy, which offers targeted academic assistance for students who need alternative learning environments.

Roselle also defended Amity Regional High School’s record of academic excellence and its success in implementing DEI initiatives, noting that such programs have helped foster a supportive, high-achieving learning environment. He cited the failures of past national policies, such as No Child Left Behind, as proof that rigid, one-size-fits-all educational models ultimately harm students rather than help them.

The Amity Youth Democrats’ letter calls on the ORTC to reconsider its position and instead support education policies that prioritize student success over political ideology. The response underscores broader debates about the role of DEI in public education, with both sides claiming to advocate for fairness and academic integrity. However, Roselle and the Amity Youth Democrats maintain that true fairness comes from acknowledging and addressing students' diverse educational needs rather than imposing rigid, ineffective standards.

The full text of the letter can be read here.