Loudoun County Schools Clarifies to Parents That White Children Can Participate, But Not Speak as Equity Ambassadors

A Loudoun County Public Schools Equity Advisor told parents that White students may only become equity ambassadors to “amplify the voice of Students of Color.” When the parent asked for in a followup email if their child could discuss the personal accounts of White students, the advisor said no.

“This LCPS endeavor is specific to amplifying the voice of Students of Color by engaging in discussions about their experiences regarding issues of racism, injustice, and inequity. Though all students (white or otherwise) are more than welcome to potentially serve as ambassadors, their focus would be to raise the voice of their classmates of color during these meetings.”

A concerned parent originally shared the email exchange with Parents Against Critical Theory (PACT) Founder Scott Mineo.

Last month, The Virginia Star reported that the program’s initial program informational packet excluded White children from participation.

“Q: My child would like to participate as a Student Equity Ambassador and is not a student of color. Can they participate? … A: Thank you for your interest but this opportunity is specifically for students of Color. However, students at each school have an option of creating an affinity group for students of Color who share a similar racial identity and they may also include allies.”

It appears by the broken link offered by early whistleblowers that LCPS deleted the original packet and uploaded an edited version following controversy.

The equity ambassador programs are part of LCPS’s “Action Plans to Combat Systemic Racism.” The plan also included mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion staff training, banning clothing reflecting “racist or hateful ideology,” monitoring “hate speech,” reducing suspension rates for minorities only, increasing minority admissions and hiring.

Additionally, the plan proposed mandatory books considered “foundational knowledge” for staff that assert the reality of White supremacy, White privilege, and present-day racism.

LCPS spokespersons on the equity ambassadors program didn’t respond with comment by press time.

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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].