This week, disturbing and concerning testimony was given at trial where FCPS stands accused of failing to help a middle school student who complained of harassment and bullying 12 years ago.
The only local coverage of the trial, which involves high-powered law firms on both sides, has been published by The Fairfax Times with a series of special reports from investigative journalist Asra Nomani:
School board attorney brings a pregnant mother to tears as she testifies about her efforts to “get justice” for a friend facing a “toxic” school culture of bullying – March 23, 2024
Fairfax County Public Schools has faced a litany of lawsuits over the past several years, and it is surprising that the current trial has not garnered more media attention. Recently, FCPS won a Supreme Court challenge against its changed admissions process at the Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology. Another high-profile case was filed in 2022 alleging FCPS failed to meet the needs of students requiring special education plans. WTOP has the story here: Fairfax Count Schools Education Officials Hit With Class Action Suit Over Disability Hearings
Investigative journalist Asra Nomani has continued to report on the trial. Here are her latest installments for The Fairfax Times:
“Kate” on the stand for a second day, recalls details of alleged assaults, attempts to see school counselor
Fairfax County School Board ramps up attacks on a former student, ‘Kate,’’ and her mother