Tag: equity
DOJ sues Virginia over tuition policy for immigrants
Immigrant rights organizations are challenging a suit filed by the Justice Department that seeks to block Virginia from allowing undocumented immigrants access to public colleges and universities at the in-state tuition rate. The suit, filed Dec. 30, charges a Virginia law “providing in-state tuition and financial assistance for illegal aliens” violates federal laws and executive … Continued
Fairfax County supports LGBTQ+ residents
Fairfax County has earned the highest score possible on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, a measure of support for LGBTQ+ residents. The county received the top score of 100 on the index, which rates cities and counties on how inclusive their policies and services are for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. … Continued
Jan. 21 designated a Day of Racial Healing
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring Jan. 21, 2025, as a Day of Racial Healing. The resolution calls upon “all residents to participate in programs and activities that reflect our shared humanity and join ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive community for everyone.” The National Day of Racial … Continued
Racial covenants – widespread in Mason District – can be removed
You probably aren’t aware of this but if you’re a homeowner in the Annandale/Mason District area, there’s a strong likelihood that your property has a restrictive covenant prohibiting non-White ownership and occupancy.
Park Authority launches equity survey
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking input from the public on potential barriers that might be limiting people from taking full advantage of programs and amenities. The survey goes along with the draft Equity Study issued by the Park Authority last month. That study recommends revising the fee structure to ensure all residents, regardless … Continued
Park Authority proposes new fee structure
[ A new draft study by the Fairfax County Park Authority recommends changing the fee structure to bring more equity to the park system. The report suggests several strategies to make park programs more affordable to lower-income families. Together, these changes would cost approximately $26.6 million. The draft 2024 Equity Study was presented to the … Continued
Park Authority report sets a framework for park investment priorities
It’s clear that Mason District – especially Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners – has fewer green spaces than other areas of Fairfax County. That makes it especially important for Mason residents to weigh in on the Park Authority’s draft Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy, which sets priorities for park development and improvements over … Continued
FCPS to investigate TJ controversy
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told parents with students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology that FCPS is investigating why the notification of “commended students” was delayed. Reid spoke about the issue at an emotionally charged meeting at the school Jan. 3 that drew nearly 100 parents and a smattering … Continued
School news roundup
The following news briefs and photos are from Fairfax County Public Schools. Where’s the equity? – The Fairfax County School Board passed a watered-down resolution Oct. 20 supporting educators “as they deliver FCPS-approved curriculum and classroom resources that are inclusive and meet the high aspirations of our students, families, and the Fairfax County community.” The … Continued
Park Authority developing a park access and equity strategy
The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to learn more about the draft Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Access Strategy. The plan will provide a framework for improved and equitable access to parks and a balance of recreational issues. The Park Authority will hold three community workshops, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 16. … Continued
Park Authority inequities harm vulnerable communities
By Lydia Lawrence Lower-income and minority residents of Fairfax County are being shortchanged by the Park Authority, mostly due to the lack of funding. In the wake of the controversy over Justice Park, the Fairfax NAACP has done a significant amount of research and investigation into the lack of equity in the park system. Here … Continued
Appeals court grants stay in TJ case
Fairfax County Public Schools can continue to use the current admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology for the time being. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on March 31 granted a stay pending an appeal requested by the Fairfax County School Board. That means FCPS can continue … Continued
FXCO school board appeals TJ ruling
The Fairfax County School Board filed an appeal challenging the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton that would invalidate the race-neutral admissions process at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ). The appeal was filed March 16 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The school board also … Continued
TJ admissions process discriminates against Asians, judge rules
A federal judge ruled that the admissions process adopted for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 2020 illegally discriminates against Asian students. Judge Claude Hilton of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria found the new system for selecting students to the elite, highly competitive school amounted … Continued
Board of Supervisors appoints task force to consider renaming roads that honor Confederates
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 13 appointed a 30-member task force to examine renaming Lee Highway (Route 29) and Lee Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50). The Confederate Names Task Force, chaired by Evelyn Spain, includes residents and representatives of civic organizations, homeowner associations, faith groups, historical groups, and the business community. The … Continued