The “crossroads of the Civil War,” as Spotsylvania County in Virginia is known, is currently experiencing a different kind of battle. Instead of muskets, the conflict is taking place in school board meetings. This trend is not unique to Spotsylvania County, as similar confrontations are happening across the United States, signaling a crack in the foundation of democracy.
In the recent elections in Virginia, the far right sought to gain control of local offices, particularly school boards, while the left fought back with accusations of “fascism.” Although the school board seats are officially nonpartisan, political parties and affiliated groups have become heavily involved, each wanting to influence the future of public education. National figures, including presidential candidates, are closely watching these off-year elections to gauge voter sentiment heading into 2024.
This situation in Virginia reflects a broader trend in which a growing faction on the right is targeting public education. They argue that parents should have more control over what their children learn and experience in school. Their efforts to remove certain classroom materials, equity programs, and accommodations for transgender students have faced strong opposition from parents who believe in supporting public education and ensuring that all children, regardless of background or needs, have equal opportunities to succeed.
In communities where political differences were once resolved through civilized compromise, public meetings have devolved into shouting matches. Legal complaints are being filed, and deputies are removing people from meetings. School board members refuse to back down, with each side convinced that they know what is best for children. Meanwhile, students continue to face challenges such as learning loss due to the pandemic, mental health issues, and teacher shortages.
In Spotsylvania County, the outcome of Tuesday’s election will determine whether any progress can be made and whether the plea for civility, echoed by many across the political spectrum, can be answered. Two recent meetings highlight the stark contrast between the current state of affairs and the hope for a more conciliatory future.
The September school board meeting was marked by discord and chaos. Members of the public made inflammatory statements, including claiming that Michelle Obama is a man and calling for the execution of promoters of transgender rights. The meeting was marred by procedural arguments, resulting in failed attempts to address issues such as fixing a high school auditorium. The online recordings of these meetings have garnered thousands of views.
The situation at school board meetings in Spotsylvania County has deteriorated to such an extent that the county sheriff withdrew his deputies from future meetings. The board has since hired private security to maintain order. Both Democratic and Republican candidates acknowledge the dysfunction within the school board, with one describing it as a “nonfunctioning mess.”
The polarization and divisiveness seen on school boards in Virginia are not limited to this state alone. Similar battles are unfolding nationwide, with conservative groups like Moms for Liberty clashing with teachers’ unions and left-leaning organizations. Local politics, which used to be confined to specific communities, have now become a national issue.
Virginia has become a focal point of these conflicts, with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s election in 2021 on a platform of parental rights. In Spotsylvania County, the adoption of the governor’s policies on transgender student treatment has further divided the community. Many other counties in Virginia are facing similarly contentious school board races.
The increasing partisanship and politicization of school boards worry educators like Frank Morgan, who believe that collaboration is essential for successful schools. The focus on hot-button political issues takes away from the overall operation of schools and the needs of students.
There was a time when things were different in Spotsylvania County. Regular attendees of school board meetings in 2017 recall a more professional atmosphere, even during disagreements. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated tensions over issues like mask mandates, remote learning, and book content in school libraries. The decision to remove books deemed “sexually explicit” and suggestions to burn them brought national attention to Spotsylvania County.
The situation in Spotsylvania County and other communities reflects the erosion of civility and compromise in local politics. The outcome of these school board elections will have far-reaching consequences, not just for education but also as an indicator of the broader political climate in the United States.
