Richmond, VA – Upon the release of Governor Youngkin’s Interim Report today, DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement: 

“On one of the final days of Black History month, this report launches a new chapter in Gov. Youngkin's racist agenda to whitewash Virginia's history and attempt to cover up the existence of racism in our commonwealth and nation. The history of Virginia, and our nation, is difficult, complex and often untold. Teaching our students about equity and inclusion is foundational to our Commonwealth's future, and we must strive to make sure every Virginia student has a robust understanding of history and how it impacts peoples’ lives today.

“We know that an overwhelming majority of Virginians support teaching how racism continues to impact American society and that most oppose a ban on critical race theory -- once again demonstrating that the governor is only interested in catering to far-right factions of his party. Governor Youngkin has taken steps that have increased division and pitted people against each other. The governor has put up a complete facade–while he’s shooting hoops on the basketball court and delivering vests to committee meetings, behind closed doors he’s only further dividing Virginians by implementing extreme policies like this. He’s putting us on a track to completely whitewash necessary Black History lessons from our classrooms–eliminating countless voices from our marginalized communities that deserve to be heard.”

###