Speaking to Fox News Digital, Tapia described the moment as surreal. She pointed out that the tide had completely shifted: after years of teachers being forced to adhere to radical gender policies or face consequences, the focus is now on those pushing gender transitions on students. Those educators are now the ones facing legal action, not teachers like her who resisted the agenda.

Trump’s executive order, Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, is a bold move to strip federal funding from schools pushing dangerous gender ideology and divisive equity programs. The order also seeks to curb critical race theory in schools and holds educators accountable for actions such as promoting gender transitions for minors without parental consent. The directive calls on legal authorities to go after teachers who engage in unlawful practices, including “sexual exploitation” and providing unlicensed medical diagnoses or treatments.

Tapia’s Stand Against Gender Policies

Tapia, a former tenured physical education teacher in California’s Jurupa Unified School District, was fired in January 2023 after refusing to comply with the district’s mandate requiring teachers to use students’ preferred pronouns and keep gender transitions secret from parents.

Her opposition to these policies became known through social media posts where she openly discussed her faith and conservative views. After several meetings with district officials, her request for religious accommodation was denied, and she was terminated from her position.

In response, Tapia filed a lawsuit against the district in May 2023, claiming violations of her religious freedom and free speech rights. A year later, she reached a $360,000 settlement with the district, though the district did not admit wrongdoing.

The district tried to downplay the settlement, stating it was a compromise, not an admission of guilt. However, for Tapia and her supporters, the payout signaled a retreat from the district’s position.

A New Role: Advocate for Teachers and Parents

Now homeschooling her children, Tapia has become a vocal advocate for teachers, parents, and students who feel their moral beliefs are at odds with the radical policies taking over schools. She has heard from thousands of people nationwide expressing gratitude for her stand.

For Tapia, the announcement of Trump’s executive order was a moment of affirmation. Fired exactly two years ago, she believes the order validates her decision to resist the district’s gender policies.

She expressed relief that more teachers and parents would now be protected under the law. Tapia noted that many educators had already left the profession in protest, but she’s hopeful that Trump’s action will inspire others to stay and push back against the ideological agenda in schools.

Teachers' Union Responds to Trump’s Order

Trump’s order has sparked criticism from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), one of the country’s largest teachers’ unions. AFT President Randi Weingarten accused Trump of unfairly targeting educators and creating unnecessary division and fear in classrooms.

Despite the backlash, conservatives view Trump’s action as a necessary step to combat the radical indoctrination taking place in schools. While the battle over education is far from over, for Jessica Tapia, this is a victory—and a reminder that standing firm for one’s beliefs can have a lasting impact.