Prominent LGBTQ+ representation appears via Jacob, the gay teacher whose overzealous political correctness and 'woke' posturing is frequently mocked by colleagues, including a love interest Elijah, integrated casually without dominating arcs. Subplots touch progressive themes such as gender stereotypes and generational trauma in Episode 7 ('Goofgirl'), where a club goes co-ed amid boy disengagement, and unfair district elections in Episode 15, alongside systemic education inequities like infrastructure failures forcing mall relocation.

These elements influence character dynamics and occasional dialogue but remain subplots within the core premise of comedic school hijinks, teacher relationships (e.g., Janine and Gregory moving in), and student antics like cheating or no-phones days, without centering identity politics or social justice activism as the emotional core. Creator Quinta Brunson draws from personal experience for authentic teacher portrayals, acknowledging representation's emergence without overt activist mandates. Reception includes some fan fatigue over repetition but lacks significant backlash decrying 'wokeness' or DEI prioritization, with the show's satire of Jacob's extremism mitigating preachiness.