Fairfax SB Backs Off Trans Push!
For years, Virginia parents, particularly in the NOVA area, have felt ostracized—and even oppressed—any time they tried to express what should be a common-sense view: That elementary-aged children shouldn't be exposed to radical, transgender indoctrination at a taxpayer-funded school, and especially not without their parents' permission.
But that parent feedback was openly disregarded for months in Fairfax County, where the district pushed ahead with a process to introduce trans lessons as early as third grade.
Until last week's unexpected win!
The Fairfax County School Board took a surprise retreat at its meeting last Thursday (March 13):
The board voted to discontinue the sex-ed committee that has been the driving force in pushing for trans lessons in elementary-school curriculum (the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Committee -FLECAC).
That means there will be no further action on this committee for the remainder of the year.
How did this happen? We would point to a timely combination of factors.
1. Parents speaking out—and going viral! Local parent and faith-based groups, including Speak Up! Fairfax, persistently called out the Board's disrespect for parents. You may have seen a video that went viral—featuring Speak Up! member Caleigh Weichbrodt, a Fairfax mother of two, who boldly addressed her school board while speaking at Family Foundation's Mama Bear Day event at the Richmond Capitol. That video garnered 6 million views on social media and landed her an appearance on Fox News! If you missed it, watch now:
2. President Trump's historic address (a week before FLECAC was expected to take a vote) highlighted the plight of parents like Caleigh who feel cut out and shoved aside by their own local schools. He cited his recently signed executive orders prohibiting radical indoctrination in publicly funded schools, as well as outlawing policies that allow males to invade girls' sports and locker rooms.
3. Federal investigations. On top of that, the civil rights office of Trump's Department of Education announced a federal investigation into five NOVA-area school districts, including Fairfax County, for possible violations of his transgender-related executive orders. It's entirely possible the Board made this move to avoid an obvious target in this investigation.
Bottom line: The combined pressure from local and national outcry forced the school board into retreat mode, at least for now.
We are not naive. This is by no means permanent. And questions remain about how much transparency will be involved in the new process under the superintendent. (The Board explained during its vote that it is realigning FLE-curriculum committee processes to operate under the superintendent). Speak Up! parents will remain vigilant. But it's a welcome victory in a long history of parents feeling beaten down by well-funded, NOVA area school boards.
Want to help us celebrate what's happening in the NOVA area and beyond? Join us for our 2025 Northern Virginia Dinner on April 28th to hear an exclusive update from The Family Foundation and Governor Youngkin!
