Georgia mom of 3, including LGBTQ+ and autistic children, ousted for opposing DEI cuts in US school

US mother carried out of board meeting after challenging DEI rollback in Georgia school. (Photo Courtesy: FB)

A Georgia mother was forcibly removed from a school board meeting after speaking out against proposed cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in her children’s school district. The incident occurred during a City Schools of Decatur Board of Education meeting, where tensions ran high amid discussions about the district’s DEI policies.
Lena Kotler, a mother of three—including an autistic child, a transgender child, and a non-binary child—was escorted out by police officers after criticizing board members and calling them “cowards” for backing away from DEI initiatives. As reported by the Daily Mail, Kotler had already made her public comment but spoke again during the meeting, prompting board officials to ask her to leave.
Tensions rise over DEI programs amid federal pressure
Kotler’s removal was linked to a broader debate surrounding DEI measures in US schools, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump’s administration pledging to roll back funding for institutions that support DEI policies. According to the Daily Mail, Kotler accused the board of abandoning marginalized students due to financial pressures, stating, “It’s beyond evil that anyone is threatening these programs.”
She further explained that schools play a critical role in shaping children’s self-worth, especially those from marginalized communities. “If we stop programs and policies that make those spaces inclusive and safe for everyone, we know what happens,” she said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
Clash escalates between parent and school board
During the meeting, a security officer told Kotler she needed to leave after her outburst. Video footage published by Decaturish.com and cited by the Daily Mail shows Kotler calmly stating she would not speak again and offered to remain silent if she could stay. “I’m going to sit here… If I speak again outside of public comment, I will leave,” she said.
However, board members maintained that she had violated meeting rules. One board member reportedly told her, “You’re only allowed to speak during public comment… she’s already made public comment so it’s time to go,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
Mother escorted by four officers, labels removal as fascist act
Despite insisting she was not resisting, Kotler was physically removed by four officers. “I’m practicing my rights as a parent. I’m in no way resisting,” she repeated, according to the Daily Mail. As she was carried out, she shouted, “I’m not resisting and this is what fascists do!”
Following the incident, Kotler shared an emotional video on Instagram, saying she was “physically fine but emotionally distraught,” as reported by the Daily Mail.