Discussion hosted by Earle-Sears on the safety of women and female students within Virginia schools; Spanberger issues statements on the topic
In a roundtable discussion led by Republican nominee for Virginia governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, speakers raised concerns over a Title IX investigation into allegations that biological males were allowed in girls' locker rooms in Northern Virginia schools. The investigation, which found the school districts in violation of Title IX, has sparked controversy and lawsuits, with some female students reporting incidents of inappropriate behavior in girls' locker rooms coinciding with these policies.
Earle-Sears, along with state senator Tara Darant, Fairfax GOP chair Katie Gorka, former Miss Virginia Katie Rose, and others, criticised the districts for adopting what they call “radical gender ideology” that undermines student safety, privacy, and parental rights. The districts, however, have emphasised their commitment to inclusivity and providing accommodations for privacy needs, citing legal precedent such as the Gavin Grimm case.
The controversy has also seen protests, with a small group demonstrating outside the roundtable. Protesters voiced support for women's suffrage, Medicaid, and abortion rights, while one protester pointed out Earle-Sears' opposition to a bill that would guarantee women the right to obtain contraceptives in Virginia.
In a separate development, Attorney General Jason Miyares has asked victims to come forward as he investigates the Fairfax County prosecutor, Steve Descano, who was criticised by Earle-Sears during the roundtable for releasing a repeat violent offender who later allegedly tried to abduct a 3-year-old at a mall.
The roundtable's focus was on women's safety, fairness in sports, and protecting students in schools. Approximately 100 people, mostly women, attended the event held in Buchanan Hall. Early voting in the gubernatorial race begins on September 19, and election day is on November 4.
Meanwhile, Republican Sally Hosto, one of the protesters, voiced support for Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger, who unveiled her 'Growing Virginia Plan' to strengthen workforce and boost economy. Retired medical oncologist and hematologist Allisan Kula stated, "If women don't have contraception, we're going back to the 50s." Attorney Susan Greene expressed concern about protecting Jewish and conservative students in schools during the roundtable.
References: - [1] The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded in July 2025 that five Northern Virginia school districts—Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County—violated Title IX by allowing students to use sex-segregated facilities, such as girls' locker rooms, based on subjective gender identity rather than biological sex. - [2] These policies, which permit biological males identifying as female to access female locker rooms and participate in girls’ sports, were found to constitute discrimination on the basis of sex, violating Title IX protections. - [3] As a result, these districts were designated "high-risk" grantees and placed on reimbursement payment status, meaning they must request approval to receive full federal funding until they comply with the law. - [4] The violations prompted public controversy and lawsuits; some female students reportedly felt unsafe or uncomfortable, alleging incidents of inappropriate behavior in girls' locker rooms coinciding with these policies. - [5] The current administration and Governor Glenn Youngkin have criticised the districts for adopting what they call “radical gender ideology” that undermines student safety, privacy, and parental rights.
- The concerns over education and self-development, specifically the implementation of policies that allow biological males in girls' locker rooms, have led to debates about personal growth and policy-and-legislation, sparking controversy and lawsuits.
- In addition to this controversial topic, politics played a role in the roundtable discussion as Attorney General Jason Miyares asked victims to come forward in an investigation involving Fairfax County prosecutor Steve Descano, who was criticized for releasing a repeat violent offender.
- Meanwhile, general news and crime-and-justice intersected as the roundtable addressed women's safety and fairness in sports, and legislative decisions such as the guarantee of contraceptives for women became subjects of debate, with some emphasizing their importance for personal growth and others voicing concerns about policy-and-legislation.
