A teacher flagged the issue of school-funded abortions in Fairfax County to a high school principal years ago, but nothing was done to resolve the illegality, according to a new report.
A 2022 email reviewed by WJLA, an ABC affiliate, revealed that a teacher informed a principal at Centreville High School three years ago that a school social worker had aided a student in obtaining an abortion.
Fairfax County Public Schools, however, insists they learned of the abortion allegations last week.
“FCPS is fully cooperating with the Virginia State Police investigation, and it would not be appropriate to comment further on these 2021 allegations,” FCPS told the ABC affiliate. “At no time would this alleged situation, as described, be acceptable in Fairfax County Public Schools.”
WJLA also reported that there is no policy requiring school officials to notify parents about these types of conversations, relating to student abortions.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has promised to hold anyone accountable for criminal activity. He said parents have a fundamental right to the upbringing of their children.
The Virginia Republican announced this week that the Virginia State Police are probing the issue after reports revealed that in one of at least two occasions minor female students were taken to a clinic to have abortions that were paid for by school funds.
According to the governor’s Wednesday press release, school administrators may have been aware of the abortion scheme involving school funds, which include local, state and federal tax dollars.
It is illegal for a minor to obtain an abortion in the state without parental consent or a judicial order.
Mr. Youngkin’s office directed anyone with knowledge of the allegations surrounding the abortions to contact the police.
“I am deeply concerned with the allegations that Fairfax County Public Schools officials arranged for minors to get abortions without parental consent and may have misused public funds to pay for them,” Mr. Youngkin said.
“I am directing the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation to open a full criminal investigation into the matter immediately.”
Reports emerged online that two students at Centreville High School turned over evidence that school staff facilitated their abortions in 2021.
A spokesperson from Fairfax County Public Schools told The Washington Times they’ll cooperate with the investigation.
“We are prepared to fully cooperate in the state police investigation into these 2021 allegations,” the statement read. “As this is an ongoing personnel matter, we are unable to comment further at this time. We remain focused on preparations for the start of the school year — with a focus on academic excellence and opportunity for each and every student in a safe and welcoming environment.”
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.