Request: I received a message from a friend about specific words that are banned in relationships to Head Start settings. Here was the instagram post:
The Trump administration is putting extreme restrictions to Head Start programs, including preventing the use of words like "woman," “disability,” and “race” when applying for grants. We're taking President Trump to court to protect this critical program.
Was it true? Were these words actually banned? Kinda. Here's the scoop:
What do the Executive Orders Actually Say?
There ARE executive orders published in January of 2025 that addressed terminology about gender and diversity.
Executive Order 14151: I think this is the link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/
Executive Order 14168:
There is another law the language appears with called EO 14173.
The EO thing does this: Basically - this is the language that the government says that we are supposed to be using the term "sex" and not "gender." The "WE" referenced means people who work for the government. Or get money from them. All federal policies and documents must use the term "sex" in terms of "male" and "female" because they are "immutable biological classifications."
BOTH EO and 14173 says that no programs can exist that use that kind of language. All language on websites and grants may not use these kinds of words;
- "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"
- "(DEI)"
- "Gender and Identity"
- "Sex is not a synonym for and does not include the term 'gender identity."
- "Equity" and "Equity-related"
- "Environmental Justice"
- "Marginalized communities"
- "Socially disadvantaged"
Section 2(i): Agencies shall terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, all DEI, DEIA, and "environmental justice" offices... all "equity action plans," initiatives, or programs.
Section 3(a): Agencies must eradicate the use of "gender identity" and implement regulations, guidance, forms, and communications to comply... [recognizing] the two biological sexes are not interchangeable.
What about the "six page" list of banned terms?
Current Status:
Salient Segments of the Act:
1. Language Regarding "Disability" and "Special Needs"
The administration's list flagged "disability" and "special needs," but the Act requires a specific percentage of enrollment be dedicated to these children.
Section 640(d)(1): "The Secretary shall establish policies and procedures to assure that, for fiscal year 2009 and thereafter, not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled
by each Head Start agency and each delegate agency will be children with disabilities." 2. Language Regarding "Race," "Ethnicity," and "Diversity"
While "race" and "diversity" were on the list of terms to limit, the Act mandates that programs be "culturally and linguistically appropriate."
Section 640(a)(5)(E): Requires the Secretary to "develop and implement a system... to ensure that Head Start programs are culturally and linguistically appropriate" and to account for the "ethnic and racial" diversity of the children served.
3. Language Regarding "Tribal" and "Native American" Populations
The "banned" list included "Tribal" and "Native American," but the Act creates a specific legal designation for these programs.
Section 637(12): Defines "Indian Head Start program" as a program operated by an Indian tribe (as defined by the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
4. Language Regarding "Pregnant Women" and "Gender"
The administration sought to replace "pregnant women" with "pregnant people" or remove the term entirely; however, the Head Start Act uses "pregnant women" as a specific eligibility category for Early Head Start.
Section 645A(c)(2): "Enrolled participants... shall be low-income pregnant women and families with children under age 3."
5. Language Regarding "Trauma" and "Mental Health"
The list sought to limit terms like "trauma-informed," but the Act explicitly requires programs to provide these services.
Section 641A(b)(3)(B)(iii): Mandates that performance standards include requirements for "health, mental health, and disability services."
Contact Information:
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 119th Congress (2025–2026) is the primary legislative body overseeing education and labor policy.
Leadership & Key Contacts
Chairman:
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) Ranking Member:
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA)
Official Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
2176 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Telephone: (202) 225-4527
Website:
edworkforce.house.gov
Relevant Subcommittees
The committee operates through specialized subcommittees that handle specific areas of the
Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education: Chairs
Kevin Kiley (R-CA) Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Workforce Protections: Chairs
Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) Ilhan Omar (D-MN) Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions: Chairs
Rick Allen (R-GA) Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
Current Legislative Focus (2026)
The committee has recently held hearings on the following topics:
"Defending Faith and Families Against Government Overreach" (Feb 10, 2026)
"Work, Dignity, and Choice in Disability Employment" (Feb 13, 2026)
"Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Mine Safety and Health Administration" (Jan 22, 2026)
References:
American Council on Education. (2025, August 7).
Ballard Spahr LLP. (2026, February 18).
Executive Order 14151:
Executive Order 14173:
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. (2025, January 23).
Motion to Supplement Record:
Preliminary Injunction: Issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Jan. 7, 2026).
The Head Start Act:
Purpose:
42 U.S.C. § 9831 Disability Enrollment Mandate:
42 U.S.C. § 9835(d)(1) Cultural & Linguistic Diversity:
42 U.S.C. § 9835(a)(5)(E) Indian Head Start Program Definition:
42 U.S.C. § 9832(12) Early Head Start Eligibility (Pregnant Women):
42 U.S.C. § 9840a(c)(2) Mental Health & Disability Performance Standards:
42 U.S.C. § 9836a(b)(3)(B)(iii)
The White House. (2025, January 20).
The White House. (2025, January 21).
