By Dominick Lombardi
Orange Republican Town Committee
Dominick Lombardi
Educational excellence has been the cornerstone of our community and one of the most defining characteristics of Orange. As a product of the Orange and Amity school systems, I can personally attest to our schools’ exceptional education and nurturing environment. The teachers I learned from, some of whom I remain in contact with to this day, were among the finest in our state. They shaped not just what I knew, but who I became.
From this deep respect for our schools and their vital role in shaping our young people’s lives, I recently sent a letter to the Amity Board of Education detailing some of our thoughts on the continuing implementation of DEI at Amity.
Let me be unequivocally clear: the purpose of that letter was not political – it was protective. Unfortunately, rather than engaging with the substance of our concerns, some chose to weaponize our letter to unnecessarily divide our town. Among the most offensive claims made was that I, or members of the Republican Town Committee, seek to defund special education. That is not only false – it is personally painful.
My younger brother was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, which falls under the individualized education program in special education. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that students with disabilities face and the life-changing impact of effective special education. I don’t just believe in special education – I champion it. I believe it should be fully funded, and that the educators who make it possible deserve our utmost respect and fair compensation. These baseless political attacks do nothing but harm the very fabric of our town. Orange deserves better.
Let’s try to move forward together.
It is with the spirit of moving forward together that led us to take thoughtful action beyond our letter to Amity, and I want to take this opportunity to explain both our position and the responsible, inclusive process that led us here.
We began by assembling a working group of Republican community leaders – individuals with experience in law, finance, education and municipal governance. Together, we crafted a policy framework that would reflect the values of our constituents and the needs of our students.
Next, I presented this framework to a group of over two dozen educators – some active, some retired. This group was diverse not only in professional experience but in political affiliation: 25 percent Republican, 25 percent Democrat, and 50 percent unaffiliated. All were either Orange residents or teachers and administrators in the Orange or Amity school systems. I presented our ideas and then did what too few politicians do: I listened.
Here’s the truth: nobody understands the needs of our students better than our educators. They are the ones on the front lines. Regardless of ideology, they deserve a seat at the table
The ORTC cares deeply about the academic success, emotional development and moral grounding of every student. We believe in a school system built not on ideology, but on merit and excellence. We believe in preparing students to think critically, act ethically and thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Republicans are not opposed to DEI. We support common sense DEI – a vision rooted in respect, merit and unity. Let me share what that looks like.
Diversity: Finding True Strength in Our Differences: Diversity is not limited to race or gender. True diversity includes a wide range of experiences, thoughts, perspectives, talents and backgrounds. It is about valuing individuals not for what box they check, but for what they contribute. We support policies that reflect this broader, more meaningful understanding of diversity. These are the direct policies and positions regarding diversity that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for during the civil rights movement in the 60s. We do not judge by the color of our skin or by any other physical characteristics but by the content of one’s character. For example, we support the Open Choice Grant program, which expands access to schools outside district lines, fostering genuine diversity and broader educational opportunities for all.
Equality: Equal Access to Opportunity, Not Equal Outcomes: We believe every student should have the same opportunities to succeed. That means fair access to quality education – not lowering standards in pursuit of uniform outcomes. Equality should be a ladder, not a ceiling. We support policies that reward effort, ability and achievement. We advocate for preserving leveled and advanced coursework, sex-based athletic competition and merit-based recognition – all of which encourage excellence and fairness, not political favoritism.
Inclusion: A Culture of Respect, Not Forced Compliance: Inclusion should mean creating a culture where everyone is respected – not one where everyone is expected to think the same. Real inclusion welcomes differing views, protects freedom of thought and builds unity through honest engagement, not forced groupthink.
We believe students with disabilities must be supported with proper accommodations, engaged parents and empowered educators. Inclusion means ensuring every student can thrive – not just those who fit a narrative.
Let us be clear about what DEI policy we stand for:
– We believe in leveled and honors coursework that challenges students.
– We believe in letting teachers teach, free of political agendas and full of knowledge and wisdom.
– We believe that parents deserve a seat at the table in the education of their children and that there should be a partnership between parents, educators and administrators.
– We believe in equal opportunity for all, not equity which is the forced equality of outcome.
– We believe diversity is our strength – when it includes thought, background and perspective.
– We believe biological men should not compete in women’s sports.
– We believe that students of all abilities deserve full access to our educational system.
We reject division and offer a path forward rooted in merit, opportunity and mutual respect. Diversity should enrich, not divide. Equality should empower, not diminish. Inclusion should unify, not conform. This issue should never divide us.
The problem isn’t the policy – it’s the politics. These values aren’t Republican or Democratic, they reflect what the overwhelming majority of Orange residents believe.
This is our blueprint. This is our commitment. To serve people, not ideology. To protect education, not politicize it. To keep Orange strong, successful and united.
In times like these, it’s easy to be pulled to the extremes. However, Orange has always been different. We are not governed by outrage or ideology, but by dialogue, respect and reason. That’s how we’ll get through this, not red or blue but one Orange.
So, I encourage you to reflect – personally and honestly – on where you stand. If you believe in merit, in fairness, in excellence and in real inclusion, then you are part of the great majority here in Orange. I invite you and welcome you into the Republican Party.
For more on our ORTC DEI Blue Ribbon Blueprint, I encourage you to go to our website at orangectrepublicans.com/.
Dominick Lombardi is the chair of the Orange Republican Town Committee.