March 17, 2025
By Josleiny Castillo
Staff Writer
During President Donald Trump’s first weeks in office, he signed two executive orders impacting transgender military personnel and athletes.
Declaring that trans people are banned from serving in the military, Trump’s executive order, which he signed on Jan. 27, asserts that transgender identity does not align with “a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful and disciplined lifestyle.”
This executive order marks a reversal from the policy held by the U.S. Department of Defense since 2016 when transgender service members were first allowed to openly serve their country.
Sophomore Allison Vasquez said they disagree with this ban.
“It shouldn’t make a difference for a [person] to serve in the military if they’re transgender or not. It won’t hinder their abilities to serve as a naval officer [or] a sergeant,” Vasquez said. “The [government] should definitely focus on their ability to perform [their] duties.”
This executive order has sparked backlash from civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and legal experts who argue that it violates constitutional protections of equal rights.
Several lawsuits were filed challenging the executive order, with plaintiffs arguing that it unfairly discriminates against transgender individuals and disregards their ability to serve honorably. This led to a Pentagon memo stating that the military may grant a waiver on a case-by-case basis.
“It is important to create an accepting community and space for all people.”
Critics say medical and psychological studies do not find that being transgender undermines military readiness.
“I don’t know if it will hinder national security, but I do think that it is discouraging for people [and] a president to say that you can’t serve in the military because you’re trans,” Vasquez said.
In late January, the Trump administration issued directives to remove web pages and datasets relating to LGBTQ+ health and vaccine information from federal websites. This action was part of a broader effort to eliminate content associated with diversity, equity, inclusion and gender.
These removals have raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals and researchers, who argue that the absence of such information hampers patient care and public health initiatives.
The administration has also removed references to transgender individuals from federal websites, such as the Stonewall National Monument’s page, aligning with new policies that recognize only male and female genders assigned at birth.
Mr. Ricciardi, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics and U.S. History I, said the government should acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community on its websites.
“It is important to create an accepting community and space for all people,” Ricciardi said. “I believe that [the changes to government websites] can be taken in a harmful way, especially from a community that has been marginalized in the past.”
Ricciardi said the LGBTQ+ community is strong and will provide resources and support for those in need.
“[It] is just one of many groups that have fought to be heard in this country, and [lack of] acknowledgment on a platform can’t reverse that for them or anybody else,” Ricciardi said.
Sophomore Aiden Nguyen said it is not necessary to include the LGBTQ acronym on government websites.
“It is what it is. They’re just regular people,” Nguyen said. “I don’t want [the government] to focus too much on one type of person.”
Nguyen said the change reflects bias but is not necessarily harmful because it does not degrade LGBTQ+ people.
“Treat everyone with kindness…. You’re golden if you do that,” Nguyen said.
On Feb. 5, Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which prohibits educational institutions receiving federal funding from allowing transgender women to participate in women’s sports teams or access women’s locker rooms and restrooms.
Non-compliance with this order will result in investigations and potential loss of federal funds for the institutions involved.
Now, the Department of Education is following up on Trump’s efforts, calling for organizations governing high school and college athletics to revoke awards, records and titles held by transgender female athletes.
Mr. Radigan, who is the supervisor of athletics, physical education, health and driver education, said at this point, the executive order has not impacted any of LHS’ athletes.
He said the high school follows rules set by the National Federation of High School Sports and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
“[The] NJSIAA allow[s] transgender students to play a sport that they identify with,” Radigan said. “We support all our students no matter what but must follow all rules that [the] NFHS and NJSIAA puts forth.”
Sophomore Allyson Sarmiento said she understands Trump’s reasoning for signing this executive order.
“It would be unfair in any [close contact] sport like boxing, [mixed martial arts] or jujitsu,” Sarmiento said.
Biological males are generally stronger than women because of biological differences such as bone density, hormones and muscle mass, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Sarmiento said most of her family members agree with the ban.
“At first I was confused, but the more I thought about it, I think it’s fair, although I can see why it would set people back,” Sarmiento said. “[The ban] is mainly for safety, so I believe it provides a safe environment for everyone.”