DOE Investigates Fairfax Schools Over Alleged Abortions

The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office has opened an enforcement action under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment against Fairfax County Public Schools after allegations that a school social worker arranged and paid for a 17‑year‑old’s abortion and pressured another student during the 2021–22 school year. The office ordered FCPS to provide copies of parental notices, policies on non‑emergency invasive physical exams, communications, documentation of whether federal funds were used, and a written response by Oct. 17, warning that federal funding could be at risk. Acting General Counsel Candice Jackson condemned the alleged conduct and said the administration will act to restore parental authority. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has directed the Virginia State Police to open a criminal investigation. FCPS says it is cooperating with the state police probe, and local staff say some parents report they only learned of students’ abortions after the fact.