Posts by Mark Spooner
Youngkin Administration Revamps Model Transgender Policies
Introduction Two recent posts on this site have reported on, and criticized, the Fairfax County School Board’s transgender regulation. See “Fairfax Parents Excluded From Kids’ Gender Issues,” Aug. 31, 2022, and “Trans Rules Fairfax Schools,” Sept. 7, 2022. The Fairfax County regulation has now been thrown into doubt. On September 16, 2022, the Virginia Department of…
Read MoreTrans Rules Fairfax Schools
It’s remarkable how a tiny minority can wield the power that transgender advocates enjoy today. A few years ago we hardly heard of transgenderism; today it is the “woke” cause de jour. Some institutions are ignoring the rights of the majority in order to make a miniscule minority feel more comfortable. Nowhere is this more…
Read MoreFairfax Parents Excluded From Kids’ Gender Issues
A Conversation Between a Pre-Teen and Teacher Recently, twelve-year-old Sam approached a teacher at his Fairfax County public school, and this conversation occurred: Sam: Miss Jones, I sometimes wonder whether I’m really a girl, trapped in a boy’s body. Jones: When did you start feeling that way? Sam: A while ago, but last week, when…
Read MoreFairfax Teachers’ Union Is Proud About the Covid Shutdowns, Despite Learning Loss
Introduction The outgoing and incoming presidents of the Fairfax Education Association — the labor union representing Fairfax County public school teachers — spoke at the July 14, 2022 meeting of the Fairfax County School Board. Both expressed pride in their role in school closures during the Covid pandemic. They painted themselves as courageous figures, doing…
Read MoreLawsuit Against Fairfax County Schools Is Resolved.
Background about the Case As previously reported, I filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School Board in May, challenging its withholding of information I had requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). See “Fairfax Schools Monitor Sues Fairfax Schools, Round 2,” May 27, 2002. My FOIA request was for documents relating to the…
Read MoreNew “Equity Policy” for Fairfax Schools, Part 2
As reported in my post of July 13, the Fairfax County School Board plans to issue a new “equity policy” for its schools. The process of developing it is just getting underway. I have sent a letter to the Board and its staff with my preliminary comments. The letter makes three points. First, if the…
Read MoreNew “Equity Policy” for Fairfax Schools
The Fairfax County School Board began to develop an “anti-racism, anti-bias” policy in 2020. The process seemed to take a back seat to other initiatives in 2021. Now, however, the proposal is being revived, renamed as an “equity policy.” The planned scope of the policy, and the process for drafting and considering it, was discussed…
Read MoreThe Proposed Controversial Issues Policy Is Vague, Divisive and Dangerous
Introduction In September 2020 the Fairfax County School Board initiated a process to revise its Controversial Issues Policy. Now, two years later, the revision is nearing completion. On June 23, the Board’s Governance Committee approved a new version, which is being sent to the full Board for review and approval. It is scheduled to be…
Read MoreThe June 16 School Board Meeting: A Small Turning Point?
Introduction Several proposals to amend the student conduct handbook were on the agenda for the June 16 meeting of the Fairfax County School Board. What mostly drew the attention of parents was a provision making it an offense for any student, from the 4th grade on, to maliciously “deadname” or “misgender” another student, with punishment…
Read MoreFairfax Schools Monitor Sues Fairfax Schools, Round 2
Fairfax Schools Monitor has just filed a new lawsuit against the Fairfax County School Board. It challenges the Board’s improper assertion of “attorney-client privilege” to withhold documents requested under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). During the past few months, we have been seeking documents relating to the development of the School Board’s “Anti-Racism,…
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