Letter to the Loudoun County School Board: Human Resources & Talent Development Committee’s Unconstitutional Proposed Professional Conduct Policy

The Loudoun County School Board Human Resources & Talent Development Committee has recommended changes to the School Board’s Professional Conduct Policy.

Adoption of such a flawed new Policy would be a mistake, and it would invite an immediate lawsuit to enjoin its enforcement. In its current form, the proposed Policy contains restrictions on teachers’ and other employees’ speech in violation of Section 12 of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Prohibiting teachers from expressing their viewpoints regarding whether School Board policy has gone too far, or not far enough, effectively prohibits educational professionals from advocating for improved School Board policy or campaigning against you in School Board elections. Thus, the proposed Policy is a gross violation of Loudoun County school district’s employees’ civil liberties. Unless withdrawn or voted down, the proposed Professional Conduct Policy invites costly lawsuits that would hamper the School Board’s ability to provide high quality education to Loudoun County children.

NCLA submits this letter to urge the School Board members to consider carefully the ramifications of their votes.