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FCPS Makes History With Goundbreaking New Policy

Updated: Mar 6, 2020

Ever since the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida, schools across the U.S. have been on edge about gun violence. In particular, FCPS’ chairman, Ryan McElveen has promised to move forward in implementing common-sense gun safety regulations in the county. The introduction of FCPS’ new law allows students grades 7-12 to have one excused absence per year in order to attend civic activities. In the era of school shootings and climate change, teenagers all across America are advocating for change to promote a safer environment for future generations to come.

FCPS stands as the tenth-largest school district in the country, and currently has over 188,000 students enrolled. By taking the initiative to promote student activism, FCPS has guaranteed a progressive and supportive atmosphere for its students. The policy was first proposed by FCPS board member Ryan McElveen. To most students, McElveen is known for announcing snow days and delays on Twitter, but he is also known for advocating for more liberal policies that appeal to the younger generations. In addition to the new policy, McElveen has taken to Twitter to show his support for climate change protests and plans on implementing gun-safety regulations for the following 2020-2021 school year.

While the new policy has received widespread support, there has been some backlash from a more conservative audience. According to a Washington Post article, conservatives criticized FCPS for “coddling its too-liberal, too-sensitive youth.” As today’s political climate becomes increasingly polarized, it is no surprise that the right takes issue with promoting student protests. Most students seem to be on board with the idea of having a school day off especially those involved in student activism.

However, some students reject the new policy and find it to be unnecessary. A Herndon High School student who wished to remain anonymous thinks the new policy is a bad idea. “There’s a time for education and a time for protesting, you shouldn’t mix the two. Either make a designated day for student protesting or leave it out.” The student went on to remark how some would take advantage of the new rule to skip out on school such as on the day of a final. While the idea of making a designated day sounds promising, most protests in Northern Virginia take place in Washington D.C. Making a day to accommodate FCPS students would be difficult for those who want to attend other protests.

FCPS’ new policy has stirred up attention across the country and has even made national news. Students across the county now have the liberty to express their beliefs through protest on school time. While some feel the policy has given too much freedom to students, one thing is clear: FCPS’ new initiative has made the world sit up and take notice.



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