Glenn Youngkin pardons father of sexually abused student in Loudoun County.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin Pardons Parent Arrested During School Board Meeting
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) made a significant announcement on Sunday, revealing that he had granted a pardon to a parent who was arrested during a heated school board meeting. This decision comes after Scott Smith was taken into custody in 2021 for expressing his concerns to the Loudoun County School Board regarding his daughter’s traumatic experience of rape. The perpetrator, a boy who identified as transgender and was allowed to use the girls’ restroom due to the district’s policy, committed the assault.
Empowering Parents and Upholding Fundamental Rights
“In Virginia, parents matter, and my commitment to empowering parents remains steadfast. The fundamental right of parents to be actively involved in their child’s education, upbringing, and well-being should never be undermined by bureaucratic obstacles, school divisions, or the state,” stated Youngkin in a powerful statement accompanying his executive order granting Smith a pardon. “I am delighted to provide Scott Smith with this pardon, enabling him and his family to finally put this injustice behind them.”
Investigation and Uncovering a Cover-Up
Upon assuming office, Youngkin wasted no time launching an investigation into the actions of Loudoun County. This investigation ultimately led to a grand jury report that exposed the alleged cover-up attempt by then-Superintendent Scott Ziegler. As a consequence, Ziegler was subsequently terminated. The governor referred to Smith’s case as a “gross miscarriage of justice.”
During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Youngkin expressed his dismay, stating, “When the final report from the grand jury was released, Mr. Smith did what any loving father or parent would do: he stood up for his child. To make matters worse, the perpetrator was transferred to another school and went on to sexually assault another young woman.”
Charges Dismissed and Calls for Further Action
Smith faced charges of obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct, both of which were misdemeanors. However, the obstruction of justice charge was ultimately dismissed with prejudice upon appeal.
Following the release of the grand jury report, Smith has called for additional terminations, including those of the principals of Stone Bridge and Broad Run high schools, as well as Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis and division counsel Robert Falconi.
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