As the School Board election nears, it is clear that the Albemarle community needs a representative who will protect and uplift students of all backgrounds and identities. This person is Allison Spillman.
The Revolution staff believes in the initiatives of diversity and inclusion that Spillman promotes. We recognize it is crucial that every student feels safe and comfortable at school, regardless of their racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual and gender identities.
Book bans on sexual and racial content, especially LGBTQ+ topics, are becoming more common in the United States. Spillman not only opposes book banning, but values diverse literature for the visibility it gives to hard-hitting topics and our own community members. We all deserve to be seen and celebrated, especially in literature.
Spillman also condemns Governor Glenn Youngkin’s transgender student policy that would require parental consent for teachers to use student names and pronouns that are not on official records. Bryce supports it.
This model was rejected by the School Board, and for good reason. It is inherently transphobic, allowing schools to out trans and gender non-conforming students and put them in potentially unsafe situations.
Spillman’s gun sense and mental health proposals are also necessary to foster safer classroom environments. The Albemarle community needs extra support, like the social workers and psychologists Spillman wants to hire. Additionally, her safe gun storage initiatives and participation in Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense show she has drive and actionable plans to keep students safe.
While Bryce is correct that ACPS leadership needs to listen more to stakeholders (parents, teachers, students, etc.), the fact is her own children attend private schools. By refusing to enroll her children in Albemarle schools unless there is a change in leadership, she loses credibility as a stakeholder.
Both candidates promise to work for academic improvement, but only Spillman is clearly dedicated to securing an inclusive environment for students, teachers and staff of all identities.
Albemarle County must come together for the wellness and comfort of our students. The Revolution staff calls on you to do your part, spread the word and vote for Allison Spillman on Nov. 7.
Note: Unsigned editorials represent a majority, though not necessarily unanimous, view of The Revolution staff.
