A Virginia middle school teacher, Deb Figliola, has emerged victorious after taking a stand against a contentious school policy that she felt undermined parental rights. In what many see as a defining moment in the ongoing debate over education and parental involvement, Figliola confronted a directive that required teachers to use students’ preferred names and pronouns without informing their parents.
Having spent over a decade teaching in Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Figliola found herself in a difficult position when she attended a training session approximately three years ago. The session outlined new protocols where staff were instructed to ask students how they wanted to be identified and to consistently use those identifiers. More troubling for Figliola was the instruction not to share this information with parents. She felt compelled to respond.
“I can’t lie. I’m not going to lie to kids and I’m not going to lie to parents,” she recalled jotting down on a piece of paper after the training. This sentiment catalyzed her decision to act, leading her to collaborate with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a legal group advocating for religious freedoms.
The ADF highlighted that the school board had added “gender identity” as a protected category in its nondiscrimination policy just prior to the 2021-2022 school year, further complicating the issue surrounding parental rights. The guidance issued to staff was immediate and mandatory, dictating that they must use any name or pronoun requested by students, regardless of their biological sex, and to keep such requests from parents unless a teacher determined the parents were supportive.
Figliola’s conviction didn’t just grow from a professional standpoint; it was deeply rooted in her personal values as a Christian. She expressed a strong desire to illuminate this issue for other educators and families. “That process included a lot of prayer… I felt like God was directing me,” she shared, emphasizing her belief in the need to advocate for children and their families.
Despite criticism from some colleagues, Figliola gained significant support from parents and fellow teachers who appreciated her courage. Vincent Wagner, a senior counsel at ADF, noted that her efforts resulted in the school district agreeing to a new policy that accommodates teachers whose religious beliefs conflict with the previously mandated directives.
The newly established religious accommodation states that teachers like Figliola are not obligated to use pronouns inconsistent with a student’s biological sex or to withhold information from parents. Wagner remarked that this outcome represented a “clear statement” from the district that wouldn’t have materialized without Figliola’s resistance.
Figliola’s experience reflects a broader trend facing educators nationwide, as many grapple with similar dilemmas regarding parental authority and student rights. Wagner voiced concern over the disturbing notion that schools would attempt to create barriers between parents and their children regarding critical issues. The ADF has been advocating for teachers facing similar situations and aims to take legal action wherever necessary.
In light of her recent victory, Figliola has a message for fellow educators who may feel similarly challenged: persistence is key. She encouraged them not to give up and to stand firm in their convictions, suggesting that while advocating for what is right may sometimes be uncomfortable, the rewards of such actions are well worth it. With her faith as a foundation, she remains dedicated to supporting families and fostering an open environment for all involved in the educational journey.
Leave a Reply