Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 11 executive orders and actions on Saturday, with two of the most prominent targeting "divisive concepts" in education, and masks requirements for schools. A third fired the entire Parole Board, and named new members.
Executive Order One, which targeted divisive concepts, covers a broad area of education. Much of it requires review by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The order also ends the Virginia Math Pathways Initiative, which had been alleged by some to be a program that was ending accelerated math. Former Superintendent James Lane, in April, said the Northam Administration was not getting rid of accelerated math, and that they were considering a greater focus on data analysis.
Executive Order Two, which targets masks, eliminates the Public Health Order that required masks Commonwealth-wide in schools. The order takes effect on January 24th. It also provides an option for parents to "opt out" of their district's mandates if they remain. However, Youngkin admitted in an interview with WRVA last week that districts have the constitutional right to set their own mask rules. It is unclear how the opt-out will work, given Youngkin admits the district's rights. Richmond and Arlington have already said they are keeping their requirements.
Along with the Parole Board order, other orders targeted Loudoun schools, a flashpoint during the campaign, as well as a withdrawl from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. It is not clear Youngkin actually has the power to withdraw, former Attorney General Mark Herring (D) issued an opinion in the final weeks suggesting Youngkin did not.
