Some Teachers, "National Agitators" Voice Concerns About Race Theory, Transgender Rights

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun parents and residents were joined by self-described "national agitators" at a rally outside the Loudoun school board meeting on Tuesday evening. Rally attendees spoke out against critical race theory and policies to protect transgender students.

Critical race theory is an ideological framework that functions on the assumption that the United States was founded on ideas of racism, and racist ideas permeate throughout many sections of society. On multiple occasions, Loudoun County administrators have noted they do not teach critical race theory in schools.

Speakers also voiced concerns about Policy 8040, a policy passed by the school board last month that protects the rights of transgender students. Signs held by attendees showed concerns about "biological boys using girls bathrooms."

Under the policy, faculty members are instructed to refer to students by their preferred names and pronouns. Students are also able to use the bathrooms that align with their gender identity.

Read more: Transgender Policy On Pronouns, Bathrooms OKed By Loudoun Board

Attendees at the rally came from as far away as New Jersey to support the speakers.

The rally was organized by Patti Hidalgo, the president of the Loudoun County Republican Women's Club.

During her speech, Hidalgo said Loudoun County's equity efforts are part of a broader push toward socialism. She did not provide further details, but claimed students were being "pressured" and "indoctrinated" by critical race theory.

Other speakers included Ian Prior, the executive director of Fight for Schools, a political action committee. "They've been hostile to our First Amendment and parental rights," Prior said. "They need to start acting like a school board and stop acting like a politburo."

Speakers were also unhappy with a recent change in procedure at school board meetings. Now, public comments are limited to Loudoun residents, parents, students, business owners, and employees. In a news release, the school board said the change was made to prioritize the voices of community members, instead of "out-of-town agitators."

Read more: Public Comment Limited At Loudoun School Board Meetings

One speaker, Josiah Gaiter of FreedomWorks, was proud to be a "national agitator," calling it an upgrade over his current job title.

Matt Walsh is a self-described theocratic fascist and commentator for the Daily Wire, a conservative website. Walsh believed the move to limit speakers was targeted at him. Walsh is from Tennessee, but planned to speak at Tuesday's school board meeting.

To circumvent the new rule, Walsh said he rented a Loudoun basement from Hidalgo for $1.

In his speech, Walsh said residents needed to act against a "morally corrupted education system."

"Boys are boys and girls are girls," Walsh said. " We're not going to pretend otherwise."

Walsh also claimed school board members were perverts, and Policy 8040 was a direct attack on students.

The audience applauded when Walsh announced "the days of polite cooperation are over."

Many of the attendees at the rally were also scheduled to speak at the school board meeting. One attendee, Thomas Pell, teaches at a private school in Loudoun County. He said he wanted to support the rights of teachers.

Andy Miller, an Uber driver and Catholic speaker from Fairfax, said he also rented a basement so he could speak at the meeting.

Miller said this was his first time speaking at a board meeting, but he was inspired by a desire to improve the community.

"I'm hoping to have kids one day, and I hope we can make a society they'll be proud of," Miller said. He also noted that he wanted to encourage other people his age to become politically involved.