US (Washington Insider Magazine) —FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Glenn Youngkin’s election as governor was anticipated to signal the decline of so-called woke ideology in Virginia’s public schools. However, halfway through his term, his policies have faced significant resistance in Fairfax County, the state’s largest school district and a racially diverse community.
After Youngkin, a Republican, signed an executive order banning the teaching of “divisive concepts” and critical race theory, Fairfax County Public Schools implemented an equity policy aimed at fostering a “culturally responsive environment.” This included surveying students on how effectively their schools support them in combating racism.
The Democratic-led district has also countered Youngkin’s proposed social studies standards, arguing that they prioritize white men over women and people of colour. In response, the state revised these standards. Furthermore, this summer, the district announced it would not enforce Youngkin’s directive requiring students to use bathrooms and join sports teams corresponding to their sex assigned at birth.
As the election for all 12 school board seats approaches on Nov. 7, conservatives in Fairfax County are eager to overcome the Democratic opposition.
Despite typically voting for Democrats, right-leaning parent activists were instrumental in Youngkin’s unexpected 2021 victory, which galvanized a national GOP focus on educational culture wars. Next week’s non-partisan school board race will test whether voters will reward Democratic incumbents for resisting conservative policies or whether the “parental rights” movement continues to be influential.
“If we turn out and elect all the Democrats, it sends a message that you can’t undermine our values and inclusion,”
stated Rachna Sizemore Heizer, a Democratic school board member.
“But if we lose seats, it suggests that divisive politics are effective.”
Conversely, conservatives argue that it is the Democrats who are bringing divisive national issues into the race. Frustrated by the district’s resistance, they hope to secure at least a few seats to raise concerns. GOP-endorsed candidates criticize the historically high-performing district for alleged mismanagement, including mishandling sexual assault cases and inadequate special education services, despite a budget of $3.5 billion and 180,000 students to manage.
Rory Cooper, a Fairfax County father and former advisor to congressional Republicans, believes many residents are more concerned about local school issues than national politics.
“People are still voting based on what’s happening in our schools, not the larger political landscape, which could lead some Democrats to support more conservative candidates,”
he noted.
Despite these dynamics, Democratic-backed candidates have significantly outfunded their GOP counterparts, with some candidates raising ten times more. Early voting data suggests that most ballots were cast by voters who typically lean Democratic.
A spokesperson for Fairfax County Public Schools emphasized that the district’s SAT scores remain above state and global averages and that fewer teachers resigned last year compared to the previous one. However, they declined further comment, citing appropriateness concerns regarding political candidates. Current board members contend that many challenges faced by the district reflect broader national issues.
Virginia is among 16 states with school board elections next week, where typically low-turnout races have recently garnered heightened attention due to growing polarization and discontent surrounding pandemic policies and conservative activism on race and gender issues.
