Connect with us

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

ACLU seeks injunction to block book bans in military schools

Published

on

virginiamercury.com – Markus Schmidt – 2025-05-09 11:03:00


The ACLU has filed for a federal injunction to block book bans in military-run schools, claiming that executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump earlier this year have led to a widespread removal of books and curriculum on race, gender, and civil rights. The lawsuit, filed in Virginia, argues that these actions violate students’ First Amendment rights, especially in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. Among the books removed are “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Looking for Alaska.” The ACLU seeks to restore the removed materials, asserting that military families should have access to diverse educational content.

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury
May 9, 2025

The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday asked a federal judge in Virginia to immediately halt what it calls a sweeping campaign of classroom censorship in military-run schools — including at Crossroads Elementary in Quantico — stemming from executive orders issued by former President Donald J. Trump earlier this year.

The motion for preliminary injunction, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, follows a lawsuit brought last month on behalf of 12 students enrolled in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. 

The students, from pre-K to 11th grade, are children of active-duty service members stationed in Virginia, Kentucky, Italy and Japan.

The ACLU’s new filing alleges that books and curriculum touching on race, gender and civil rights have been systematically scrubbed under the guise of enforcing executive orders 14168, 14185 and 14190, which instruct federal agencies to purge references to “gender ideology,” “divisive concepts” and diversity programming.

In Virginia, that has included removing materials from the library at Crossroads Elementary School in Quantico and canceling student events.

“The Trump administration cannot violate the First Amendment by removing books and curricula it doesn’t like,” said Matt Callahan, senior supervising attorney at the ACLU of Virginia. “Students have a right to see themselves reflected in their libraries and classrooms, and they also have a right to learn from the perspectives of people who aren’t like them. That’s no less true for military families than for anyone else.”

Among the 233 books listed as removed or “quarantined” in the latest motion are “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green and “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Hip-Hop History” by Jeff Chang. The plaintiffs say the materials most frequently targeted are by or about women, people of color and LGBTQ individuals.

Jessica Henninger, a Virginia-based military parent and one of the lead plaintiffs, said her family had remained silent for months out of fear. But after watching DoDEA schools cancel Juneteenth and Holocaust Remembrance Day events and take down posters of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistan education activist shot by the Taliban and winner of the Nobel Peace Price age 17, and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, she decided speaking out was no longer optional.

“We make sacrifices as a military family so that my husband can defend the Constitution and the rights and freedoms of all Americans,” Henninger said. “If our own rights and the rights of our children are at risk, we have a responsibility to speak out.”

In court filings, the ACLU argues that the censorship campaign has disrupted students’ academic progress — particularly those preparing for Advanced Placement exams — and created a chilling effect in classrooms. Some students now hesitate to ask questions about race or gender, worried that even inquiry could trigger administrative pushback.

“These are American students in American schools, and they have the same First Amendment rights as their peers,” said Emerson Sykes, senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. “Families in DoDEA schools have the right to access books about race and gender and the right to learn about the vibrantly diverse world around them.”

Virginia plays a central role in the case. Not only are some of the plaintiffs based in the state, but the case is being heard in the Eastern District of Virginia — a jurisdiction with a history of high-profile First Amendment rulings. Attorneys believe the court could set a national precedent on how far federal agencies, including the military, can go in shaping the content of public education.

While DoDEA officials have said the policy is about “safeguarding children,” critics say it’s political overreach, forcing public servants’ children to bear the brunt of ideological battles. 

The ACLU says the orders violate the Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Island Trees School District v. Pico, which barred school officials from removing library books simply because they dislike the ideas within.

“This kind of political meddling is antithetical to the First Amendment,” said Corey Shapiro, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky. “And in DoDEA schools, which are some of the most diverse and high-performing schools in the nation, the impact is magnified.”

If successful, the injunction could compel DoDEA to immediately restore books and classroom materials removed this year — including at Virginia installations — and affirm the rights of military families who, attorneys say, have been sidelined in a fight over what their children are allowed to read and learn.

“Our children are not political pawns,” Henninger said. “They deserve to learn the truth — and we intend to make sure they can.”

YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.

SUPPORT

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

The post ACLU seeks injunction to block book bans in military schools appeared first on virginiamercury.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Left-Leaning

This content reflects a left-leaning political bias because it highlights concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) about censorship efforts in military-run schools, which are attributed to executive orders from former President Donald Trump. The article emphasizes themes such as protecting First Amendment rights, opposing the removal of diverse and inclusive educational materials, and framing the censorship as a violation of constitutional freedoms. It critiques conservative policies and aligns with progressive values on education, diversity, and civil liberties, reflecting a perspective more common on the political left.

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Some employers take action against employees for social media comments on Charlie Kirk's death

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-13 22:37:43

SUMMARY: Following Charlie Kirk’s death, some Virginia employers have taken action against employees who made controversial social media comments. In healthcare and education sectors, individuals were placed on leave or terminated for remarks deemed unprofessional or supportive of violence. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital fired an anesthesiologist, and Newport News and Accomack County schools disciplined staff members. Experts highlight the blurred line between personal expression and professional conduct due to social media’s reach. William and Mary law professor Margaret Hugh emphasized that employment laws and at-will policies allow employers broad authority to act. She urges unity and respect amid heightened tensions.

Some Virginia employers are taking action against employees for social media comments made regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. A legal expert weighed in on where the line is drawn.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/wvectv/?sub_confirmation=1
Download the 13News Now app: https://bit.ly/13NewsNowApp
Watch 13News Now+ for free on streaming: https://www.13newsnow.com/13NewsNowPlus
Check out our website: https://www.13newsnow.com/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13newsnow/
Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/13newsnow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13newsnow/

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Area of interest forms in the Atlantic

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 13News Now – 2025-09-11 19:22:59

SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandages reported on Hurricane Hub Live about tropical developments in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, a low-chance area of interest near the Cabo Verde Islands may become Tropical Storm Gabrielle but requires favorable conditions. Recent tropical waves have struggled due to stable atmospheric conditions. Models show possible development east of the Leeward Islands with a likely recurving path away from Bermuda. In the eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression 13E has formed, expected to become Hurricane Mario, the season’s 8th hurricane. The Atlantic has had only one hurricane so far, Major Hurricane Aaron. Activity is expected to increase into October.

The newly formed area of interest could become Invest 92-L off the coast of Africa. Find out about that and more during tonight’s episode of Hurricane Hub LIVE! Livestream from Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/wvectv/?sub_confirmation=1
Download the 13News Now app: https://bit.ly/13NewsNowApp
Watch 13News Now+ for free on streaming: https://www.13newsnow.com/13NewsNowPlus
Check out our website: https://www.13newsnow.com/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13newsnow/
Follow us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/13newsnow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13newsnow/

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Virginia News Feed

Cat cafes, chromotherapy and pumpkin delivery: Here’s what’s new in RVA this September

Published

on

www.youtube.com – 12 On Your Side – 2025-09-11 19:05:58

SUMMARY: This September in RVA, Patch to Porch RVA delivers handpicked pumpkins from local farms, offering design, setup, and cleanup services for homes and events in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Shore Pump introduces Beam Light Sauna, featuring infrared sauna and chromotherapy, promoting detox, skin renewal, and wellness with customizable sessions and memberships. The Fan now hosts River City’s first cat café, The Perfect Bean, combining a coffee bar with an adoptable cat lounge upstairs. Sourced locally, their drinks include seasonal, cat-themed specials. Cats come from Purring Hearts VA rescue, offering adoption opportunities, fostering community engagement and animal welfare.

What’s New in RVA is dedicated to informing you about the latest happenings in the Richmond area.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending