VA Dems Block Bill Requiring Schools to Promptly Inform Families of Academic Honors

Virginia Democrats ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial race in 2021. Openly disdainful towards parental rights in education  Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his ticket beat this issue like a drum then beat the Democrats as a drum.  Their dismissal of some corruption in school districts at that time was a mockery. Very poor health for those who are older.  Democrats were elected to the state legislature after Youngkin’s victory. Once again, signaled They continue to be hostile towards the central role of parents in education, while Youngkin praised its importance.  The Youngkin administration has launched an investigation into the revelations that Northern Virginia’s high schools had delayed informing families about the academic honors they had earned. This was allegedly because of equity concerns. It also affected college admissions. Expand investigation into The scandal.  

Youngkin, on a separate track has introduced new legislation that would legally require schools and colleges to immediately notify students and their families about such matters in the future.  Democrats hold a narrow control of the state Senate and have decided to oppose this commonsense initiative.  They could not be more clear about which side they will take in the education battles.  They prefer unions and bureaucrats above parents and children:

The Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee voted to block Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s bill that would have required schools to notify students and their parents if they won national merit awards and recognition along with other college scholarship opportunities. 7News has been following this issue as part of their Crisis in the Classroom coverage. The bill was introduced after several Virginia schools didn’t notify students of their national merit recognition in time for important college and scholarship deadlines. Republicans and Senator Jeremy McPike voted in favor of the bill on the committee, but the Virginia Senate Democrat Major ultimately stopped the bill from moving forward.

Youngkin’s reaction:

“I don’t understand how anybody could object to the idea that when a student receives an award or an accolade that they are informed about it, and that this is just a matter of common sense…And I do believe that our General Assembly eventually will come around to common sense. And if politics are in the way here, then I would just ask our Senate Democrats to put down politics and do what’s right for Virginia’s kids.”

Many politicians wrap their diverse proposals in the language that is being “for the children,” This was the result. Nancy Pelosi special For years, this bill has been described as a “simple” bill. It was killed in committee by Democrats.  It’s amazing.  It is clear that bureaucrats are a ridiculous bunch. “one-time human error” excuse for the withheld kudos (spanning Minimum 17 high schools There are many countries that have adopted an ad hoc system. “equal outcomes for all students” mantra) is a fabrication

Fairfax County Public Schools “the delay in notifying National Merit Scholarship commended students was a one-time human error in the fall of 2022 only.”

It appears that FCPS’s claim – that this only happened in the fall of 2022 – is not true.
https://t.co/nBhAlV1lyB

— Nick Minock (@NickMinock) January 31, 2023

Fairfax County Public Schools spoke to 7News in late December 2022 “the delay in notifying National Merit Scholarship commended students was a one-time human error in the fall of 2022 only.” Is that true? It appears that Fairfax County Public Schools claim – that this only happened in the fall of 2022 – is not true. 7News has found that at least one delay occurred before.  7News requested open records. obtained emails that show a parent in 2020 telling administrators at a Fairfax County high school that their student didn’t receive notification from the school of their student’s national merit recognition. A parent sent an email to Thomas Jefferson High School Science and Technology (TJ), in November 2020. “we were never notified and did not receive a letter.”

This clearly wasn’t an accident. “one-time,” You can even get a one-year contract. “error.” It is unclear how long this has been going, or how many students have been affected by these inadvertent decisions.  Youngkin for his part is on the moral high ground as well as the political highground in this controversy.  These are These are some of the most amazing numbers you will ever see For a conservative (not only Republican) governor in a state that has trended bluer over recent decades:

Virginians are unsure if America is on track. A non-partisan Mason Dixon poll has shown that Virginians believe America’s on the wrong path. Virginia, however, is on track.@JoeBiden APPROVAL: 45%
BIDEN DISAPPROVAL – 52%@GlennYoungkin APPROVAL: 56%
YOUNGKIN DISAPPROVAL 31%

MOE +/– 4.0 pic.twitter.com/OBqNizDvc1

— Gary Grumbach (@GaryGrumbach) February 2, 2023