Member School Board at large​

 

Candidate Anne P. Donohue - D 

1. Do you support policies in Virginia public schools protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity?

Yes, absolutely.

1a. Why or why not?

Public schools are and should be available to everyone, should welcome diversity and inclusivity, and need to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional safety of all students and staff.
It is especially important to be proactive to support the safety and equality of students and staff who are members of historically minority and/or marginalized communities.

2. Do you endorse the Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools as written?

No.

2a. Why or why not?

I have grave concerns about the legal validity of Gov. Youngkin's new proposed Model Policies. I have reviewed the entirety of those proposed Model Policies, as well as the Virginia Constitution
and various anti-discrimination laws and judicial decisions, including the Fourth Circuit's ruling in the Gavin Grimm case. I detect a tension between the Model Policies and these other legal authorities. In addition, the 2021 proposed Model Policies relied
upon a statute that made them mandatory to be implemented in our schools. That statute required proposed rules to be based on scientific evidence. The 2023 proposed Model Policies direct the schools to take actions contrary to the majority consensus of medical
and mental health professionals. But aside from the question of whether the new Model Policies are legally valid and binding on Virginia public schools, they are troubling because they target the least secure, most marginalized group of students in our community
and single them out for further stigmatization. 
3. Do you endorse Loudoun County Public Schools’ (LCPS) Policy: 8040  Rights Of Transgender And Gender-Expansive Students?

Yes

3a.Why or why not?

Contrary to Gov. Youngkin's 2023 Model Policies discussed above, LCPS Policy 8040 follows majority consensus recommendations from medical and mental health professionals, and takes steps to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are welcome and included in our community and have their existence affirmed. Some parents have reported that their cisgender children are uncomfortable using specific gender communal bathrooms or locker rooms knowing that trans students may be present. I support Policy 8040 and allowing trans students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identities, however, we need to take steps to address the concerns of cisgender students as well, because we need to make sure EVERY student feels safe, welcome, and included in our LCPS community.
4. Do you support mandatory training for LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff on how best to support LGBTQ+ students?

Yes

4a. Why or why not?

LCPS needs to focus on supporting the mental and emotional health of all students, and certainly this includes students who are part of marginalized communities and/or otherwise potential targets of bullying behavior.  LCPS staff should receive training on how to recognize not just indicators that a student might be dealing with a mental health challenge, but also what constitutes bullying behavior in different communities.  It is also important for LCPS staff to receive training on what supports will be most helpful for specific communities, including students who identify as LGBTQ+.
5. Do you support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County?

Yes

5a.Why or why not?

All students deserve to be welcome, safe, and included in LCPS and the broader Loudoun community because every human is entitled to basic dignity and respect, and the autonomy to live their lives the way they choose, unless they are actively causing actual harm to others.  
6. Will you commit to protecting Loudoun County students’ right to intellectual freedom and access to free-choice reading books that represent LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences?

Absolutely

6a. Why or why not?

I am against censorship and against banning books.  For many reasons, it is critical that our students have access to a wide variety of reading material, that depict diverse characters and experiences, and are written by authors backgrounds.  It is necessary for out students to access a truly well-rounded and comprehensive education, and to adequately prepare them to enter the diverse global economy.  It is also incredibly important for
all students to see and understand that stories from diverse and marginalized communities are worth telling and studying, that they deserve as much attention as the stories written by white, cis-het men that have dominated school curricula for decades.  It is also incredibly important for all students to see specific examples of people from diverse and marginalized communities who have been successful in their careers and made positive contributions to their communities and broader culture.
7. How will you address the increasing incidents of hate speech and actions in Loudoun County and in schools specifically?  

The recent rise of hate speech and other incidents in LCPS and the broader community is extremely troubling.  The School Board, administrators, and staff, as well as other elected officials and community leaders, need to state publicly, clearly, and unequivocally that this hate mentality is not welcome in Loudoun.  We all need to follow that up with consistent action, which means accepting people who look, think, believe, act, and lead lives differently than we do, even if we disagree.  This means not attacking other verbally or physically for being different.  This means allowing others to lead their lives and express their opinions, so long as they are not actively causing actual harm to others.  In a community with over 400,000 residents, there are a lot of different attitudes in our county, and each of us needs to allow for that diversity.
8. Do you commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media?

Yes

8a. Why or why not?

My own elementary school age kids enjoy attending the Loudoun Pride festival.  I spoke at a School Board meeting earlier this year in support of the proclamation to acknowledge June as PRIDE month. I have discussions with my kids about the history of oppression and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and the many examples of the discrimination that still targets that community.  I would also like to explore the possibility of designating an LGBTQ+ history month, separate from PRIDE month, as it was rightly pointed out to me that teaching about PRIDE in June means that our students are only receiving a couple of weeks of instruction, and during a time of year when it can be difficult for them to focus as they are dealing with final exams and projects and summer break is approaching.
9.  Is there anything else you want voters to know regarding your stances on LGBTQ+ issues?

I grew up in a conservative, rural area during the 1980s, where no one talked about being gay or what that meant, except to say that gays were evil, sick, pedophiles.  My own parents did not explain what being gay meant until I was around 12 years old, even though I had two sets of aunts (one on my mother's side and one on my father's) who were openly gay.  My classmates often thought I was gay, and bullied me because of it.  I saw my friends who were gay be bullied in school and rejected by their parents.  I myself identify as cis-het, so have not ever claimed to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, but I do view myself as, and hope others view me as, an ally.

 

Member Loudoun County School Board

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Algonkian District (term ends 12/31/25) Candidate April Moore Chandler - D

1. Do you support policies in Virginia public schools protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity?

Yes

1a. Why or why not?

I fully support policies that affirm the rights and full inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth and staff. Public schools are for everyone, and everyone should feel safe, seen, and respected in our local schools. School districts and school boards are responsible for ensuring that the school environment is welcoming and inclusive. Protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination is our collective responsibility.

2. Do you endorse the Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools as written?

No

2a. Why or why not?

The 2023 Virginia Department of Education model policies put everyone in a tough spot. The policy is expected to be followed yet does not change the obligations of school boards under existing federal and state law. In Virginia, as well as under federal law, students are protected from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. I do not support the 2023 model policies because I believe in equality and do not believe anyone should be discriminated against in our public schools.

3. Do you endorse Loudoun County Public Schools’ (LCPS) Policy: 8040 Rights Of Transgender And Gender-Expansive Students?

Yes

3a. Why or why not?

Policy 8040 is important as it outlines our commitment to ensuring all students are treated

with dignity and respect and defines how we will meet the commitment.

4. Do you support mandatory training for LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff on how best to support LGBTQ+ students?

Yes

4a. Why or why not?

I support all efforts that empower our community to better understand and support our students.

5. Do you support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County?

Yes

5a. Why or why not?

I support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County.

6. Will you commit to protecting Loudoun County students’ right to intellectual freedom and access to free-choice reading books that represent LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences?

Yes

6a. Why or why not?

Our libraries should be diverse, age-appropriate, and representative of all kinds of human experiences. Every student should be able to see themselves in our book collections. Removing books that some people deem divisive deprives our students of access to information, new ideas, and other educational experiences. Districts and school boards must support building and maintaining libraries and classroom book collections that are representative of and relevant to the interests of the school population they serve, including LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences.

7. How will you address the increasing incidents of hate speech and actions in Loudoun County and in schools specifically?

Unfortunately, we’ve seen an increase in hate speech graffiti across Loudoun in the past year, and it is prevalent on the Internet and on social media platforms. The School Board should continue to counter this by nurturing safe and positive school climates and focusing on teaching students to identify one-sided narratives and be critical thinkers. We must embrace collaborative, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices that develop the knowledge and competence to embrace our differences and respectfully engage with each other in our diverse community.

8. Do you commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media?

Yes

8a. Why or why not?

I am happy to commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media.

9. Is there anything else you want voters to know regarding your stances on LGBTQ+ issues?

I believe deeply in equality and live these values in my daily life: I will always stand in support of those who are marginalized and do not have the same rights and privileges in our society. Protecting all children from bullying and discrimination, including those who are LGBTQ+, is a commitment I do not make lightly and I will work hard to ensure that all children feel safe, seen, and respected at school.

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Catoctin District Candidate Megan E. Lockwood - D

1. Do you support policies in Virginia public schools protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity?
Yes
1a. Why or why not?
All students and staff deserve to feel safe and fully part of their school community.
2. Do you endorse the Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools as written?
No
2a. Why or why not?
The policies as written are overly broad, discriminatory, and not evidence-based.
3. Do you endorse Loudoun County Public Schools’ (LCPS) Policy: 8040 Rights Of Transgender And Gender-Expansive Students?
Yes
3a. Why or why not?
ALL students deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and care for their safety.
4. Do you support mandatory training for LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff on how best to support LGBTQ+ students?
Maybe
4a. Why or why not?
Staff should be trained on supporting students with various needs and vulnerabilities, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, learning challenges, etc. I believe in expanded training for equity across a range of issues, to accomplish student support without overly increasing teacher burden.
5. Do you support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County?
Yes
5a. Why or why not?
No response
6. Will you commit to protecting Loudoun County students’ right to intellectual freedom and access to free-choice reading books that represent LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences?
Yes
6a. Why or why not?
Students have the right to see themselves reflected in art and literature, and gain wisdom and understanding of other cultures and lifestyles they may not otherwise be exposed to.
7. How will you address the increasing incidents of hate speech and actions in Loudoun County and in schools specifically?
We need to be firm, clear and consistent in treating these episodes as the serious violations that they are. We should be creating a culture in our schools where students embrace diversity and understand the pain caused by hate speech and violence.
8. Do you commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media?
Yes
8a. Why or why not?
I already do this, and that will not change if I am elected.
9. Is there anything else you want voters to know regarding your stances on LGBTQ+ issues?
Every individual deserves equal protection under the law AND to be fully accepted and included in the larger community. 

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Dulles District (term ends 12/31/25) Candidate Melinda M. Mansfield - D

1. Do you support policies in Virginia public schools protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity?

Yes

1a. Why or why not?

Students, teachers, and staff members have the right to feel included, affirmed, safe from harassment and bullying, and protected in our public schools.

2. Do you endorse the Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools as written?

No

2a. Why or why not?

I do not endorse the recent VDOE 2023 guidance and feel it is discriminatory according to federal and state law and not evidence-based. All students should be able to learn and grow in a school environment free of bullying and harassment. School Board members have a clear duty and responsibility to put policies in place that decrease students’ experiences of societal discrimination in our public schools. The recent VDOE guidance goes against recommendations of the National Association of School Psychologists, American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network and, therefore, cannot possibly be evidence-based according to the requirements of Virginia Code. 

Model school policies focusing on the well-being of all students do not rob transgender individuals of the personal choice of whether and when to reveal their status, do not misgender and deadname them, and do not illegally discriminate by sex-segregating any activity, athletics, accommodations, travel, bathrooms, and counseling. All students deserve to feel welcomed in our schools and treated with privacy, dignity, and respect.

3. Do you endorse Loudoun County Public Schools’ (LCPS) Policy: 8040 Rights Of Transgender And Gender-Expansive Students?

Yes

3a. Why or why not?

Yes. LCPS policy 8040 says that “all students shall be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity/expression. LCPS is committed to supporting student privacy and providing equal education opportunities, including access to LCPS programs, activities, and facilities.” All items in LCPS policy 8040 follow state and federal laws and are supported by recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists, American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network and are evidence-based. Board members are duty-bound to make policies that ensure all students feel valued, respected, and protected in our public schools.

4. Do you support mandatory training for LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff on how best to support LGBTQ+ students?

No response 

4a. Why or why not?

LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff have the legal, ethical, and moral duty to protect students from discrimination and harassment. Inservice training provides opportunities for teachers to grow in their knowledge of LGBTQ+ specific issues, including how to protect them from peer bullying and support them best. Compassionate educators who openly support LGBTQ+ students and include LGBTQ+ topics in the curriculum can improve the school experience for our LGBTQ+ students.

5. Do you support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County?

Yes

5a. Why or why not?

No response

6. Will you commit to protecting Loudoun County students’ right to intellectual freedom and access to free-choice reading books that represent LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences?

Yes

6a. Why or why not?

Yes. Teaching children to read is a large part of my platform. I want children to be able to deeply engage with literature because reading helps us develop our sense of self and empathy for others. I love the quote from Rudine Sims Bishop (2015), “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror.” 

7. How will you address the increasing incidents of hate speech and actions in Loudoun County and in schools specifically?

LCPS is revising Policy 8250, “Bullying Prevention and Education,” in the School Board Student Services committee. When this policy is revised and passed, I will continue to request and investigate data on harassment and homophobic incidents and work with school administration, school board advisory committees, and stakeholders to decrease bullying behavior in our schools. It is vital to reduce the stigma and discrimination students and staff feel from the politicization of our schools by providing resources, spaces, and opportunities that are comfortable, validating, and safe.

8. Do you commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media?

Yes

8a. Why or why not?

No response

9. Is there anything else you want voters to know regarding your stances on LGBTQ+ issues?

I have been and always will be an ally.

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Leesburg District (term ends 12/31/25) Candidate Erika R. Ogedegbe - D 

1. Do you support policies in Virginia public schools protecting students, teachers, and staff from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity?
Yes
1a. Why or why not?
It is the law and we should not condone discrimination of any kind.
2. Do you endorse the Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools as written?
No
2a. Why or why not?
The new model policy is inconsistent with established anti discrimination laws and would set us back with regard to protections for this group of marginalized students.
3. Do you endorse Loudoun County Public Schools’ (LCPS) Policy: 8040 Rights Of Transgender And Gender-Expansive Students?
Yes
3a. Why or why not?
Respecting and honoring identity is a key component to creating welcoming and safe schools. All of our students need to feel safe and seen in order to learn.
4. Do you support mandatory training for LCPS administrators, teachers, and staff on how best to support LGBTQ+ students?
Yes
4a. Why or why not?
We have LGBTQ+ students and this is one way in which we can continue to make our schools inclusive spaces.
5. Do you support full equality and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, couples, and families in Loudoun County?
Yes
5a. Why or why not?
Because it’s the right thing to do.
6. Will you commit to protecting Loudoun County students’ right to intellectual freedom and access to free-choice reading books that represent LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences?
Yes
6a. Why or why not?
It’s important that children have the opportunity to see themselves and their families in books and having books that reflect the lives experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals is a reflection of our community.
7. How will you address the increasing incidents of hate speech and actions in Loudoun County and in schools specifically?
Having the data and information is the first step. We need to continue to set the expectation that hate has no home here. Every incident needs to be addressed and parents need to be part of the discussion about expectations for how we expect respect for one another in our schools and community.
8. Do you commit to acknowledging June as LGBTQ+ Pride month by attending a Pride event, supporting a Pride Proclamation and/or posting about Pride month on social media?
Yes
8a. Why or why not?
Because June is Pride month and acknowledging that reinforces our commitment of support.
9. Is there anything else you want voters to know regarding your stances on LGBTQ+ issues?
I grew up in Brookline Massachusetts which has a reputation, similar to Loudoun, as being an affluent and well-resourced town, with a diverse population. It was hard for my single mother to make ends meet, but she chose to live there, not only to provide me with the best public education available, but also to instill in me a deep appreciation and understanding of difference as an enriching aspect of life. And as a gay person, my mother prioritized a community that would be welcoming to our family. She worked full time as an office manager and went back to school part time to finish college while I was in high school. Because of her choices and sacrifices, I had the opportunity to attend great schools that were foundational to my success. I’m committed to ensuring continued protections for LGBTQ+ students and staff because this is personal to me and because it’s the right thing to do.