Oh, my. The news.

It’s a bit overwhelming right now. 

Between the sudden escalation in the investigation into our former president and my own county making the news for continued discriminatory practices, there’s been not a dull moment. 

I have lots to say about all of it, but I will try my best to leave my judgment out of it, and I’ll let you decide. Just follow the links.

First, our local NAACP president wrote a letter to our board of supervisors asking them to reconsider their recent appointment to the school board. This newly minted school board member took great offense to this statement. Made the news. 

Next, our professional development seminar for teachers leading into this new school year designed a logo that to some, resembled a swastika. This was printed on t-shirts, and images were posted to social media. After swift backlash from the community ensued, our superintendent quickly issued an apology, blaming the incident on the teacher who created the design. No plan to investigate the matter further has been announced. This made national news. 

Lastly, our school board has been working with faith based organization the Alliance Defending Freedom on developing an answer to Virginia state guidelines in addressing transgender rights. The proposal will require transgender students to apply to use the bathroom of their gender identity. The application includes a criminal background check. After all materials have been submitted, the school board will meet, discuss, and decide on a case by case basis. Made the local news. 

All of this negative press distracts from all of the good that actually happens in our county schools. Hanover is full of hard working, talented, and caring teachers and administrators who really do want the best for our kids. My own children have benefited from a solid education in this system. Our educators are the real heroes in this story. I just wish more resources were being devoted to education than to defending discriminatory policies. It’s what our students and teachers deserve.

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We’ll see what happens with all of this. Still not convinced that justice will prevail right now, but I have to have a sliver of hope. 

For the record, I stand behind our NAACP president and the work of the Hanover NAACP, I gasped out loud when I saw the logo, I believe firmly in the separation of church and state as outlined in the establishment clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution, and disagree with the proposed transgender student policy. Hanover County needs a diversity director, and our stunning frequency in making the news for discriminatory practices is proof.

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.