WASHINGTON — Republican Glenn Youngkin began his term as governor of Virginia on Saturday with executive actions dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including a ban on the critical race theory in public schools and schools. Includes lifting of mask requirements.
Youngkin, the first Republican to win statewide office in Virginia since 2009, signed nine executive orders and two executive directives after being sworn in. Youngkin said the executive actions are "important steps" to "restore excellence in education, make our communities safer, open Virginia to business and strengthen job growth, and make government work for the people." , not the other way around."
The governor's first executive order prohibits the teaching of "inherently divisive concepts," including critical race theory, an academic concept developed by legal scholars to examine the ongoing effects of racism in American policies and institutions. The issue became a flash point in the Virginia governor's race and a lightning rod for conservatives. At least half of the states have sought to restrict the teaching of critical race theory or limit the way teachers discuss racism and sexism.
"Political education has no place in our classrooms," Youngkin said in his executive order, adding that "inherently divisive concepts, such as critical race theory and its progeny, allow students to live life only through the lens of race." directs to see and believe that some students are consciously or unintentionally racist, sexist or oppressive, and that other students are victims."
Youngkin took unilateral action to remove statewide school mask requirements, a move that prompted pushback from school districts outside Washington, D.C. Children may elect not to be subject to any mask mandate. Effective in the child's school or educational program."
"A child whose parent has chosen is not subject to a mask mandate shall not be required to wear a mask under any policy enforced by a teacher, school, school district, Department of Education, or any other state authority." Must be," Youngkin's order continued.
Arlington Public Schools announced Saturday that there would be no change to its mask requirements, following the governor's executive order, with face coverings still required for staff and students on school grounds and on buses. Scott Braband, the superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, also said the state's largest district would continue to require universal masking, although the system is under investigation by Youngkin's executive order.
Alexandria City Public Schools said it, too, would require all individuals to wear masks in schools, facilities and buses.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki praised the decision by Arlington Public Schools to drop their mask requirements, calling on the district on Twitter to "stand up for our children, teachers and administrators and protect them in the midst of a passable edition". Thanks given.
Youngkin also issued executive actions that ended the Virginia Parole Board, revoked a vaccine mandate for state employees, and established a commission to combat anti-Semitism.