VA - (Trigger warning) Explosive allegations made about Fairfax County, VA school system

[AuDHD]

It's quite a leap to go from a policy that doesn't require conversations be reported to parents to "maybe ethics are no longer part of public schools." In my opinion.

jmo

Exactly! it’s simply different values bumping up against one another, it’s not that public schools have ‘abandoned ethics.’

Ppl may disagree but IMO, the way i see it, a minor is still an individual with rights, including the right to privacy. When my kid turned 14 the local hospital system made him have his own login and he had to grant me access to his records. UVA explains here. So under limited circumstances in medicine they are treated like adults

 

[Izzylizzy]

Exactly! it’s simply different values bumping up against one another, it’s not that public schools have ‘abandoned ethics.’

Ppl may disagree but IMO, the way i see it, a minor is still an individual with rights, including the right to privacy. When my kid turned 14 the local hospital system made him have his own login and he had to grant me access to his records. UVA explains here. So under limited circumstances in medicine they are treated like adults

What a well needed ability for teens to have.

MyChart Privacy for Teen Patients | UVA Health

Teens 13-17 can create their own MyChart accounts to manage their healthcare and discuss STD, birth control, mental health, and drug issues with doctors in private.

uvahealth.com

 

[fred&edna]

It's quite a leap to go from a policy that doesn't require conversations be reported to parents to "maybe ethics are no longer part of public schools." In my opinion.

jmo

from what i've read, the policy is that school personnel are not required to tell parents about a conversation, however, they are encouraged to involve parents on an ethical basis... with the only hindrance being if the girl demonstrates evidence of legitimate fear by notifying parent/s of the pregnancy. my question was just one of clarification... are school personnel encouraged to act ethically.

from many news reports over the past few years, it appears there are quite a number of unethical public school personnel across the country. i'd list those news reports but they'd likely be deemed off-topic. but i find them relevant... based on my personal assumption an ethical standard is to be encouraged in all situations involving public school personnel.

it's possible this particular story about fairfax co aiding/funding is untrue. i have no idea but i am very curious about ethical encouragement of school personnel.... which i believe is a vital part of the discussion.

jmo

 

[NervousNellie]

from what i've read, the policy is that school personnel are not required to tell parents about a conversation, however, they are encouraged to involve parents on an ethical basis... with the only hindrance being if the girl demonstrates evidence of legitimate fear by notifying parent/s of the pregnancy. my question was just one of clarification... are school personnel encouraged to act ethically.

from many news reports over the past few years, it appears there are quite a number of unethical public school personnel across the country. i'd list those news reports but they'd likely be deemed off-topic. but i find them relevant... based on my personal assumption an ethical standard is to be encouraged in all situations involving public school personnel.

it's possible this particular story about fairfax co aiding/funding is untrue. i have no idea but i am very curious about ethical encouragement of school personnel.... which i believe is a vital part of the discussion.

jmo

Could you share “what [you]’ve read” about the school policy? Are you willing to share links to the materials that you have tead?

 

[fred&edna]

Could you share “what [you]’ve read” about the school policy? Are you willing to share links to the materials that you have tead?

here are some of the links discussing the ethical imperatives of school policy on involving parents of a pregnant teen... be they medical, legal or social... and all of these would, i assume, be discussed and decided when creating policy.


What does Belotti vs. Baird have to do with our daily lives as school counselors? It strengthens school counselors’ argument that not only do we have an ethical imperative to negotiate the difficult task of supporting pregnant students but also the legal imperative to support their constitutionally protected rights. It would hold to reason that policies involving minors’ reproductive health are made in consultation with the legal arm of the district. Ethical codes carry clout in court, and school district attorneys understand this; however the school district attorneys are far more concerned with ensuring district policies safeguard students’ constitutionally protected rights. When school counselors need to advocate against district policies requiring an automatic parental notification, they should speak not only in terms of their ethical imperative but also of the constitutionality of parental notification. Ask the district to carefully weigh the possibility that a challenge to the policy might cause the next big court case.

District Policy and Student Pregnancy - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

www.schoolcounselor.org

Teen Pregnancy and Confidentiality

Confidential care for adolescents supports their emerging autonomy, engagement in health care decision making, and access to and use of reproductive health services.

journalofethics.ama-assn.org

https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/174176/pch6.pdf

 

[NervousNellie]

here are some of the links discussing the ethical imperatives of school policy on involving parents of a pregnant teen... be they medical, legal or social... and all of these would, i assume, be discussed and decided when creating policy.


What does Belotti vs. Baird have to do with our daily lives as school counselors? It strengthens school counselors’ argument that not only do we have an ethical imperative to negotiate the difficult task of supporting pregnant students but also the legal imperative to support their constitutionally protected rights. It would hold to reason that policies involving minors’ reproductive health are made in consultation with the legal arm of the district. Ethical codes carry clout in court, and school district attorneys understand this; however the school district attorneys are far more concerned with ensuring district policies safeguard students’ constitutionally protected rights. When school counselors need to advocate against district policies requiring an automatic parental notification, they should speak not only in terms of their ethical imperative but also of the constitutionality of parental notification. Ask the district to carefully weigh the possibility that a challenge to the policy might cause the next big court case.

District Policy and Student Pregnancy - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

www.schoolcounselor.org

Teen Pregnancy and Confidentiality

Confidential care for adolescents supports their emerging autonomy, engagement in health care decision making, and access to and use of reproductive health services.

journalofethics.ama-assn.org

https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/174176/pch6.pdf

Thanks for sharing those links. There is certainly some interesting reading there but none of them are specifically related to the school's policy. One of your links is to a 25-year old government publication - how did you find that!?! Impressive research skills. Do you think there is anything available that is more current?

Every link you provided suggests that students (and patients) ultimately have the right to privacy. Each link you provided also proves that most organizations support the idea of its members making ethical choices.

I trust the social worker in this case followed school (and, seemingly, industry) guidelines by considering parental involvement but ultimately made a decision that best served the student who asked for help. I know that's probably naive, but I think most of the people working in schools are doing their very best to help, or they wouldn't be there. It's not like the pay is great.

 

[fred&edna]

Thanks for sharing those links. There is certainly some interesting reading there but none of them are specifically related to the school's policy. One of your links is to a 25-year old government publication - how did you find that!?! Impressive research skills. Do you think there is anything available that is more current?

Every link you provided suggests that students (and patients) ultimately have the right to privacy. Each link you provided also proves that most organizations support the idea of its members making ethical choices.

I trust the social worker in this case followed school (and, seemingly, industry) guidelines by considering parental involvement but ultimately made a decision that best served the student who asked for help. I know that's probably naive, but I think most of the people working in schools are doing their very best to help, or they wouldn't be there. It's not like the pay is great.

of course the right to privacy is mentioned in all the links. but, that right to privacy is not absolute was my point. there is an ethical consideration that covers legal, medical and social grounds that should be upheld simultaneously. that was the reason for my links... discussing the ethical considerations. a right to privacy for anyone under the age of 18 in public schools is not the be all end all in this case or any other us public school privacy-rights discussion.

jmo

 

[Simply Southern]

Just my opinion, and a Virginia resident ....
I am legally, financially, and responsible for my child's healthcare needs.
When a school system, a teacher, a counselor, school nurse decides to intervene or inject themselves into the healthcare of my child or the decision making of the healthcare of my child without my consent and intentional deception, I feel my rights have been violated as a parent.

It's going to be interesting how this plays out. If in fact an abortion or abortions were performed a minors, who gave consent? What physician and clinic provided care, without parental consent? Where did the funds come from? What's this privately funded by employees, did they use State funds, local taxpayer funds, or federal funds? What if my child had a medical complication, what if my child died?

I can understand counseling to obtain a medical procedure without parental consent or a court order is illegal in Virginia.
Moo... The school system has overstepped their bounds.

Title 16.1. Courts Not of Record

law.lis.virginia.gov

Authorized person" means (i) a parent or duly appointed legal guardian or custodian of the minor or (ii) a person standing in loco parentis, including, but not limited to, a grandparent or adult sibling with whom the minor regularly and customarily resides and who has care and control of the minor. Any person who knows he is not an authorized person and who knowingly and willfully signs an authorization statement consenting to an abortion for a minor is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

 

[Simply Southern]

Does anyone know of another superintendent of a school system that requires 24/7 bodyguards?

Fairfax Co. schools superintendent to have up to 4-person security detail

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid will soon have a security detail that could include up to four full-time security staffers.

wjla.com

....
Due to some fast-evolving operational needs, I've had to accelerate the timeline for filling these roles," the second email reads.

A source told 7News those security staffers, who were hired to protect Reid, had previously been "responsible for protecting schools" before being reassigned to the superintendent's security detail.

On Tuesday, Brian Lambert, Chief Safety and Security Officer for FCPS, told 7News the two officers assigned to Reid would also have as part of their duties the protection of elementary schools within the district. Lambert added that the decisions to beef up security around Reid were hi

 

[AuDHD]

Does anyone know of another superintendent of a school system that requires 24/7 bodyguards?

I don’t know specifically about that but the leaders of other large districts have plenty of perks/safety measures. Example: The chancellor of nyc schools has a driver according to the ny post

looks like there have been credible threats made against Reid. <modsnip> IMO having our district in the crosshairs of any political group is cause for concern so I think it’s wise to beef up her security. Apparently they have beefed up security at the middle & high schools as well. Source: Washington Post

 

[Soulmagent]

I just got this email from the school district. Meant to comment on this thread yesterday

MOO, as a resident, this is what this abortion scandal is really about. The blogger is likely trying to find dirt on FCPS bc they are keeping their pre-trump policies in place re: trans student/staff & bathrooms.

Sniped by me.
Doe, et al. v. Fairfax County School Board

Loudoun.
Virginia family sues school system for $30 million over student's sexual assault in bathroom

It is not hard to find the dirt on them . .

Anyway cant have all those bathroom pregnancies get out .

here are some of the links discussing the ethical imperatives of school policy on involving parents of a pregnant teen... be they medical, legal or social... and all of these would, i assume, be discussed and decided when creating policy.


What does Belotti vs. Baird have to do with our daily lives as school counselors? It strengthens school counselors’ argument that not only do we have an ethical imperative to negotiate the difficult task of supporting pregnant students but also the legal imperative to support their constitutionally protected rights. It would hold to reason that policies involving minors’ reproductive health are made in consultation with the legal arm of the district. Ethical codes carry clout in court, and school district attorneys understand this; however the school district attorneys are far more concerned with ensuring district policies safeguard students’ constitutionally protected rights. When school counselors need to advocate against district policies requiring an automatic parental notification, they should speak not only in terms of their ethical imperative but also of the constitutionality of parental notification. Ask the district to carefully weigh the possibility that a challenge to the policy might cause the next big court case.

District Policy and Student Pregnancy - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

www.schoolcounselor.org

Teen Pregnancy and Confidentiality

Confidential care for adolescents supports their emerging autonomy, engagement in health care decision making, and access to and use of reproductive health services.

journalofethics.ama-assn.org

https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/174176/pch6.pdf

So , The constitution does fully apply to minors . They get the first and the 14 , but not the second.
It kinda gets confusing and they have special lawyer for it but yeah ,they are not blanketed under it like adults are. IMO.
The first amendment ,is limited for them also .

 

[Simply Southern]

Title 1. General Provisions

law.lis.virginia.gov

Code of Virginia
Table of Contents » Title 1. General Provisions » Chapter 2.1. Common Law and Rules of Construction » Article 2. Rules of Construction and Definitions » § 1-240.1. Rights of parents


§ 1-240.1. Rights of parents.
A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.

2013, cc. 668, 678.

The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

 

[Simply Southern]

I don’t know specifically about that but the leaders of other large districts have plenty of perks/safety measures. Example: The chancellor of nyc schools has a driver according to the ny post

looks like there have been credible threats made against Reid. <modsnip> IMO having our district in the crosshairs of any political group is cause for concern so I think it’s wise to beef up her security. Apparently they have beefed up security at the middle & high schools as well. Source: Washington Post

Moo.... I don't think this is about abortion rights for minors. This is about a school system overstepping and illegally obtaining a medical procedure or treatment for a minor without parental consent or court order.

It applies to any an all medical care without consent. What if my daughter wanted to have breast enhancements or her nose redone...Would Fairfax schools arrange these medical procedures, as well?

No this is a clear violation of parental rights involving a school system and the medical profession who preformed a medical procedure without parental consent.

Moo....unless I have refused medical care for my child and charged with abuse/denial of care and convicted in a court, a school has NO say so in my childs care. Only a judge can override my decision in the State of Virginia, It's the Law.

Code of Virginia​

Table of Contents » Title 1. General Provisions » Chapter 2.1. Common Law and Rules of Construction » Article 2. Rules of Construction and Definitions » § 1-240.1. Rights of parents.

§ 1-240.1​

A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.

2013, cc. 668, 678.

The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

 

[Inthedetails]

Could you share “what [you]’ve read” about the school policy? Are you willing to share links to the materials that you have tead?

FYI, the district's policy has been linked at least once on the thread, as reported by local news who asked the district for it.

Here is the direct link to the policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/BE5NKY60460E/$file/R2504.pdf

Here's the link to the news outlet that shared it:

Post in thread 'VA - (Trigger warning) Explosive allegations made about Fairfax County, VA school system'

Aug 14, 2025

So far, every article (or "article" in quotes as some online sources are not MSM) is a repeat of the same information. This story is not moving forward and different outlets are not providing new information, so far.

fwiw

jmopinion

I'm amending my comment to say MSM outlets are at least doing some reporting to move the story beyond repeating a press release. Journalists have asked the district for their written policy and received it.

7News also asked FCPS for its standard operating procedure for when a student inquires about an abortion with an FCPS employee. Here is the...

• Inthedetails

• 

 

[Simply Southern]

FYI, the district's policy has been linked at least once on the thread, as reported by local news who asked the district for it.

Here is the direct link to the policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/BE5NKY60460E/$file/R2504.pdf

Here's the link to the news outlet that shared it:

Post in thread 'VA - (Trigger warning) Explosive allegations made about Fairfax County, VA school system'

Aug 14, 2025

So far, every article (or "article" in quotes as some online sources are not MSM) is a repeat of the same information. This story is not moving forward and different outlets are not providing new information, so far.

fwiw

jmopinion

I'm amending my comment to say MSM outlets are at least doing some reporting to move the story beyond repeating a press release. Journalists have asked the district for their written policy and received it.

7News also asked FCPS for its standard operating procedure for when a student inquires about an abortion with an FCPS employee. Here is the...

• Inthedetails

• 

A school board policy cannot override a law in Virginia. They can make all the policies they want hold in a court of law, if they violate the law.

Moo... Schools need to focus on their mission educating students and leave raising children, healthcare, religion, to parents. The only time schools should intervene is in the event of abuse. There is a legal process to report abuse to department of social services and they will seek action through the court system.

<modsnip: Removed political comment. Stick to discussing this issue with this school district>

 

[AuDHD]

like i said up thread, the blogger served his purpose: pitting parental rights against teen’s individual rights to medical privacy to get people in a tizzy (when both can coexist relatively peacefully).

Idk how old your children are, but like i said up thread, at age 14 in virginia there are measures in place to ensure they have the right to medical privacy, particularly as it pertains to sexual health records. This means I do not have all the power when it comes to making medical decisions for my teenager (nor full access to his records) without his say so.
IMO paying for the procedure would be overstepping on the part of any MP, school public health nurse included. But helping a teen schedule it (after reviewing their options with them) seems reasonable imo bc the public health nurse is acting as a nurse counseling their pregnant patient.

In VA, the teen would have to obtain a notarized letter of parental consent or a judicial waiver in order to get the procedure. So, imo we should focus on how that went down without parental knowledge in the 2021 case. Did the young lady get the waiver? or did someone pose as a guardian/ forge forms? obviously the latter is a major violation and criminal charges would be appropriate.

JMO & experience with medical records in VA

 

[Simply Southern]

FYI, the district's policy has been linked at least once on the thread, as reported by local news who asked the district for it.

Here is the direct link to the policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/BE5NKY60460E/$file/R2504.pdf

Here's the link to the news outlet that shared it:

Post in thread 'VA - (Trigger warning) Explosive allegations made about Fairfax County, VA school system'

Aug 14, 2025

So far, every article (or "article" in quotes as some online sources are not MSM) is a repeat of the same information. This story is not moving forward and different outlets are not providing new information, so far.

fwiw

jmopinion

I'm amending my comment to say MSM outlets are at least doing some reporting to move the story beyond repeating a press release. Journalists have asked the district for their written policy and received it.

7News also asked FCPS for its standard operating procedure for when a student inquires about an abortion with an FCPS employee. Here is the...

• Inthedetails

• 

According to the link you included in your link... This should have been turned over to the public health nurse at the local health department.
It does not state the school should intervene.

 

[AuDHD]

DBM

 

[Inthedetails]

According you included in your link... This should have been turned over to the public health nurse at the local health department.

We don't know that it wasn't. The allegations are in the process of being investigated.

For a group of true-crime watchers, we all know that allegations are not evidence.

We need to know the results of the investigation.

jmopinion

 

[AuDHD]

According to the link you included in your link... This should have been turned over to the public health nurse at the local health department.
It does not state the school should intervene.

the public health nurse works in the school system but is employed by the health department.