The United States Department of Education announced in a press release September 29, that it was taking action amidst reports that a Fairfax County Public School District social worker had allegedly attempted to facilitate the abortions of two students four years ago. The Department of Education stated it was taking “enforcement action,” to see if the alleged practices continue today.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) prohibits students from being required to submit to an evaluation revealing information concerning their legally recognized privileged relationships, such as those involving physicians. It also includes other protections.
The release cited unsourced reports that alleged a Centreville High School social worker scheduled and paid the abortion fees of a 17-year-old high school student without informing the student’s parents. The federal statement also reports the social worker also allegedly tried to “pressure” a different student into getting an abortion.
“It shocks the conscience to learn that school personnel in Fairfax have allegedly exploited their positions of trust to push abortion services on students without parental knowledge or consent,” stated the United States Department of Education Acting General Counsel Candice Jackson in the release. “Children do not belong to the government. Decisions touching deeply-held values should be made within loving families.”
The federal government is requesting that by October 17, the Fairfax County Public School District provide the Department of Education with any notices it sent to parents identifying their rights under the PPA from the the school years of 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 as well as district policies and procedures during those years regarding medical exams and screenings. The Department of Education is also requesting any documentation to staff regarding the handling of “sensitive services,” including abortion services to minors and any information related to the alleged incidents.
The Department of Education also is seeking a statement from the district regarding whether any of the federal department’s funds were used for such services.
Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin ordered a criminal probe into the alleged incidents in August. An ABC News station provided coverage exploring the alleged circumstances of what happened. An inquiry to the Fairfax County Public School District’s media relations office regarding the Department of Education’s action received the following response:
“FCPS has received the latest Department of Education (DOE) letter requesting information, and welcomes the opportunity to answer the DOE’s questions, based on our ongoing review of these 2021 allegations. We want to reiterate that such conduct would be completely unacceptable in Fairfax County Public Schools. Although there is also an ongoing state police investigation, we are committed to cooperating, to the fullest extent possible, with the DOE’s inquiry. FCPS remains focused on our commitment to academic excellence and opportunity for each and every student in a safe and welcoming environment.” –Fairfax County Public Schools Media Relations Office
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