LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va.—The first school board meeting of the new school year opened in Loudoun county amidst sustained tension. On Aug. 10, scores of parents and citizens rallied to voice their disapproval of the board outside the school administration building. Over 170 people signed up to speak virtually and in person, compared to 259 at the previous meeting on June 22. The county in northern Virginia is west of Washington and one of the most affluent counties in the nation.
A new public comment policy was in place—no audience was allowed during public comment, and speakers were admitted into the building in groups of ten. The reason for the change was “increased security in light of what happened at the June 22 meeting,” according to Wayde Byard, the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) public information officer. The board ended public comment after the 50th speaker spoke on June 22 and two arrests ensued.
