I am writing to share our deep concern about a troubling increase in antisemitic language and commentary in our community, particularly on social media, in the wake of targeted attacks on members of the Jewish community across our country. While much of this activity may occur outside the walls of our schools, its impact reverberates within them—deeply affecting our students, staff and families.
Let me be absolutely clear: hate speech and bigotry in any form, including antisemitism, have no place in Loudoun County Public Schools. These expressions of hate stand in direct opposition to our values as a school community and will not be tolerated.
LCPS is a division that celebrates diversity, upholds the dignity of every individual, and commits daily to building inclusive, safe spaces where every person—regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or identity—feels seen, heard and valued. Antisemitism is not only deeply harmful to our Jewish students and families—it harms us all by undermining the sense of trust, belonging and humanity we work so hard to foster.
We recognize the powerful expectation that schools lead the way in standing against hate and modeling what is right. We fully embrace that responsibility.Our policies and the Student Code of Conduct clearly prohibit hate speech, harassment, and discriminatory behavior, as outlined in Policy 8030 and Regulation 8030.3.
For those impacted by recent events or harmful rhetoric, support is available. School-based Unified Mental Health Teams—which include counselors, psychologists, and social workers—are ready to assist students, while staff can access confidential resources through the Employee Assistance Program. Division-wide, the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility continues to collaborate with schools to provide guidance and resources. School Equity Teams and Student Equity Ambassadors are helping elevate student voice through educational campaigns that promote inclusion and stand against hate. Advisory programs will also continue to reinforce lessons on empathy, identity, and allyship. Additional resources—such as Student Mental Health Services, bullying prevention tools, and the LCPS Protocol for Responding to Racial Slurs and Hate Speech—are available to help schools respond swiftly and appropriately. Finally, all LCPS employees complete annual training on diversity awareness, anti-discrimination, and sensitive conversations, and are required to review and acknowledge related expectations outlined in the Annual Employee Handbook.
This moment calls for reflection and unity. We ask all families and staff to join us in fostering classrooms, homes and neighborhoods where everyone is treated with dignity and care.
Together, we must continue to model what it means to be compassionate, courageous and inclusive human beings. That is the Loudoun we believe in—and the Loudoun our students deserve.
Sincerely,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent