Department of Education probes Fairfax schools over alleged secret abortions for students

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — The U.S. Department of Education has launched an enforcement action against Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) after allegations surfaced that a school social worker helped a student obtain an abortion without parental knowledge and attempted to pressure another student to undergo the procedure.

The Department’s Student Privacy Policy Office is investigating whether the school district violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, a federal law that guarantees parents the right to be notified about nonemergency medical procedures and allows them to opt their children out of such services.

The investigation follows reports that during the 2021–22 school year, a Centreville High School social worker allegedly scheduled an abortion appointment for a 17-year-old student, paid clinic fees, and instructed the student to keep the matter secret from her guardian. A second student was reportedly told by the same social worker that she “had no other choice” and was directed to the same clinic. That student ultimately did not undergo the procedure.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked the Virginia State Police to investigate potential criminal activity stemming from the allegations. The Virginia Bureau of Investigations is probing the matter.

Federal officials have requested a range of documents from the district, including policies and procedures related to nonemergency medical services, parent notification records, training materials provided to school staff, and any communication concerning the alleged incidents. The school system has until Oct. 17 to submit a written response.

The Department is also seeking confirmation as to whether any federal funds were used in connection with abortion-related referrals or procedures.

In a statement, the Department of Education described the alleged conduct as “morally unconscionable and patently illegal,” adding that such actions undermine parental authority and violate federal law. The department cited its authority under federal statute to enforce the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment and pledged to take decisive action if violations are confirmed.

FCPS said it is cooperating with the federal investigation.

The district, one of the largest in the nation, was already under heightened federal scrutiny after being placed on high-risk status earlier this year due to its policies surrounding transgender student rights.

As a result, the school system has been required to pay upfront for federal education programs and then seek reimbursement, a financial strain that could be compounded if the new investigation leads to further penalties.

The case has drawn national attention and political reaction. The Virginia Society for Human Life criticized any candidates who oppose parental consent laws, framing the issue as part of a broader parental rights debate ahead of the November election.