Fairfax County Public Schools says allegations that staff members at Centreville High School helped students obtain abortions in 2021 “are likely untrue.” The teacher who made the allegations has reportedly been placed on paid administrative leave.
In August, Gov. Glenn Youngkin directed the Virginia State Police to open a criminal investigation into the matter. The directive was in response to details in a published report alleging that Centreville High School staff members helped minors obtain abortions without parental consent.
The U.S. Department of Education subsequently announced it was initiating enforcement action against FCPS over the allegations. FCPS responded that it, “welcomes the opportunity to answer the DOE’s questions, based on our ongoing review of these 2021 allegations.”
FCPS Response
The DOE investigation required FCPS to supply requested documentation by October 17.
In an October 16 letter to Centreville High School staff and families, superintendent Michelle Reid said, “FCPS is fully cooperating with these government investigations and today, to meet deadlines of the Senate HELP Committee and the U.S. Department of Education, we submitted detailed responses through outside legal counsel.”
Reid also said that, “Our external investigation is still ongoing, but new details have emerged providing a clearer picture of what happened. Based on the interim findings, which are deeply concerning, these 2021 allegations are likely untrue. We have an obligation to protect our staff from wrongful and unjustified accusations.”
ABC7 reported that the Centreville High School teacher who made the allegations has been placed on leave.
In a statement to ABC7, FCPS wrote: “It is our standard protocol to place an employee on paid administrative leave in these circumstances. Last week’s release of interim findings from the external review to the U.S. Senate Committee and the Department of Education has provided a clearer picture of the situation. The interim findings indicate the allegations are likely untrue and raise serious concerns about the employee’s own professional conduct.”
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
