August 15, 2025 - Statement from School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief and Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt on Student Rights and Title IX
- Board Statements
- Aug 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) understands that members of the community are concerned regarding ACPS’s stance with respect to the recent Letter of Findings and proposed Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) recently issued by the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Accordingly, we want to make the community aware that ACPS has today informed OCR that it disagrees with the legal analysis in the Letter of Findings, and cannot agree to the VRA currently proposed by OCR.
To be clear, ACPS is open to further negotiation with OCR, particularly given that OCR itself acknowledges that the legal environment in this area is a dynamic and evolving one. For the purpose of transparency, ACPS is posting its response to OCR’s letter.
For families, students and staff concerned about whether or how this decision will impact operations in ACPS, please know that ACPS’ current policies regarding the rights of all students to use restrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their gender identity will remain in place. ACPS will continue to assess its policy based on legal developments in the future, but no matter what happens, students and families should understand that all ACPS students are valued and welcome in our schools, and will be treated with respect and dignity regardless of gender identity or any other characteristic.
ACPS will continue to monitor legal developments related to this issue closely, consult with counsel and ensure that our policies remain compliant with the law while maintaining our focus on the well-being of every student we serve.
Our priority is to uphold both the letter and the spirit of the law while also fostering a school environment where every child is prepared to thrive in college, career and community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michelle Rief
Alexandria City School Board Chair
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt
Superintendent
Alexandria City Public Schools
