Virginia’s Governor Sued Over Tip Line Intended to Stop “Divisive” Education

Virginia’s governor is being sued by multiple plaintiffs for allegedly concealing information about an email tip line that parents can use to report educators who teach controversial subjects, such as about race and sex.

Youngkin won the governorship last year in part on a promise to get rid of public school teachers or lessons that touch on “inherently divisive” subjects.

He mentioned “critical race theory” as the top issue but would not rule out other subjects under the “divisive” category.

His plan to censor controversial education drew criticism from civil libertarians who said it could result in a violation of First Amendment free speech.

It also compelled media organizations and government watchdogs to file Freedom of Information Act requests for records of reports to the tip line. When Youngkin refused to divulge the records, several of them sued.

One example is a lawsuit filed this month by the nonprofit ethics group American Oversight in Arlington County Circuit Court. The law firm Ballard Spahr is representing them to find out how Youngkin is using the information he gets from the tip line. The tips can be submitted by emailing [email protected].

Heather Sawyer, executive director of American Oversight, asked in a statement, “What is the tip line’s true purpose and how has the Administration acted on these ‘tips’? What is it about this program that they don’t want the public to see?”

Another lawsuit filed by a dozen media outlets that includes the Associated Press, Tribune Publishing and NPR, is pending in Richmond Circuit Court. It seeks copies of tips submitted on the tip line.

Youngkin and his staff have refused to comment on the lawsuits but the Republican governor gave a glimpse of what he envisioned for the tip line in a radio interview shortly after taking office.

“We’re asking for folks to send us reports and observations,” Youngkin said. “Help us be aware of … their child being denied their rights that parents have in Virginia, and we’re going to make sure we catalog it all.”

The information would be used for “rooting it out,” Youngkin said.

For more information, contact The Legal Forum (www.legal-forum.net) at email: [email protected] or phone: 202-479-7240.