Voices of protests can come from anyone at anytime, this is especially true for students.

In a society that has seen upheaval due to the pandemic, to the actions of the previous presidential administration, and even witnessing horrific tragedies in the Black and Brown community, students at middle and high schools have had enough. Over the summer and even last year they let their voices be heard as they marched the streets in search of justice. Whether it was for climate change initiatives or racial equity, the cries for the system to be changed were no longer spoken only by adults or college students. Now, they are looking to initiate legislation that will enable them to protest during the school day.

Delegate Sam Rasoul

Sponsored by 11th District Delegate and Lieutenant Governor candidate Sam Rasoul, HB 1940 states that, “subject to guidelines established by the Department of Education, each school board (i) shall permit one school day-long excused absence per school year for any middle school or high school student in the local school division who is absent from school to engage in a civic or political event and (ii) may permit additional excused absences for such students who are absent for such purposes.”

This absence must be appropriately prearranged by students and their parents, and they must provide evidence of the student’s participation in the activity or event. Currently only Fairfax County, which is the largest school district in the Commonwealth, has successfully implemented this policy.

The resolution was passed in July 2020 in the General Assembly, with legislation being drafted for the current 2021 General Assembly session. It has received bi-partisan support and unanimously passed in the Senate.

If you would like to know more information on how to support this legislation, click on the following link.