ORTC Takes Stand Against Divisive Policies in Education

Orange, CT—The Orange CT Republican Town Committee (ORTC) has taken decisive action
to defend the principles of fairness, academic excellence, and individual merit in local education.
At its February 20th meeting, ORTC Chairman Dominick J. Lombardi, alongside executive
committee members formally signed a letter calling on the Amity School District to comply
with recent federal mandates that emphasize the Constitution and our laws’ prohibition of
discriminatory and divisive educational hiring and programs.

This action follows a February 14th executive order from the White House and subsequent
guidance from the Acting Secretary of Education, reinforcing the federal government’s stance
against policies that prioritize group identity over individual achievement and condemn using
race to disadvantage others. Chairman Lombardi addressed the committee and the community
members, underscoring the importance of this moment:

“Our role as Republican leaders in this community is to stand firm in our principles and
act when government overreach threatens the values we hold dear...No longer can
school districts justify programs that weaken academic standards, foster division, and
promote ideological conformity at the expense of educational excellence.”

The ORTC’s bylaws affirm its commitment to perpetuating the ideals and principles of the
Republican Party. Central to these values is the belief that education should be rooted in merit,
excellence, and equal opportunity. The committee stressed that this letter is not about political
conflict but about ensuring that taxpayer-funded institutions remain focused on their core
mission: delivering the highest quality education possible that prepares students for success.

Drawing from personal experience, Lombardi also highlighted concerns about the push for so-
called “equity” in education, noting that “Equity is not equality. True equality ensures that all students are given the same opportunities and held to the same standards. Equity, however, seeks to engineer equal outcomes through preferential treatment, undermining excellence and discouraging personal responsibility.”

With the letter now signed, the ORTC will formally submit it to the Amity Board of Education,
Chairman Paul Davis, and Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Byars. The committee remains steadfast
in its commitment to advocating for policies that promote fairness, high academic standards, and
an education system free from ideological interference.

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