Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and neighboring school districts are at a critical crossroads for transgender and gender diverse students. On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights demanded that FCPS and neighboring districts rescind policies that allow transgender students to use facilities and participate in activities based on their gender identity, sparking urgent concern within our community.  OCR has threatened that districts must comply within 10 days, or "risk imminent enforcement action including referral to the U.S. Department of Justice."

Schools should be safe places where all students—regardless of gender identity—can thrive without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence. FCPS's current practices, such as R2603.2, are vital for affirming the identities of all youth and fostering a caring school culture.  Not only are these policies the right thing to do, they are also following appropriate state and federal laws such as the Virginia Human Rights Act, the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause, and Title IX (as cited in Bostock v. Clayton County and Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board).

Your voice is crucial in urging FCPS leadership to hold firm in their support for transgender and gender diverse students. Together, we can ensure FCPS remains a model for inclusivity, equity, and compassion. Let’s rally the community to ask FCPS to NOT COMPLY with this directive and to uphold its commitment and continue standing with every student—because every student’s rights and dignity matter.