Gov. Glenn Youngkin: How Glenn Youngkin Plans to End Efforts to Deny Merit-Based Scholarships

By withholding merit-based rewards from high performing students, at least three Northern Virginia school divisions – Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax Counties — have systematically disadvantaged high performing students, limiting their hard-earned access to scholarships and college admissions. 

Merit based systems are at the heart of the American dream – the dream to work hard, stretch capabilities and persevere towards a better life regardless of your background or zip code. Many students would have considered the National Merit Award their best choice. “golden ticket” You can do it.

However, late last year it was brought to light that the leadership at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a nationally ranked public high school in Alexandria, Va. that’s known for its rigor and advanced STEM education, took that dream away. And it didn’t stop there.

Despite the original excuse of isolated human error, to date, 17 schools across three Virginian school divisions — which are akin to school districts in many other states — reportedly withheld notifications of Merit Awards so that other students wouldn’t feel bad. These efforts by schools in Virginia’s three largest school divisions have painted yet another distressing picture of the misguided state of education across America in the relentless pursuit of “equity.”

Virginia has been Ground Zero for student rights and parental rights. In 2021 Virginia parents were branded ‘domestic terrorists’ after demanding increased accountability and transparency — along with increased parental involvement — during the handling of sexual assault incidents in Loudon County. We stand now in the light and truth.

What the Northern Virginia superintendents, principals and school board members opposed to merit scholarships don’t seem to understand is that the relentless focus on equal outcomes for all students at any cost is hurting, not helping, Virginia’s children. 

The most significant impact is felt by those who claim to be aspiring to help the least, especially those at the bottom rungs of society. Many children can open doors to merit-based awards across the country. Even me, a Virginia kid who spent summers washing dishes and taking out trash, was able to apply merit-based awards. 

We all know that denying students access to academic scholarships severely limits the potential of minority students who excel despite their socioeconomic status. But political rhetoric only supports the opposite outcome. 

My administration recognizes that Virginia’s future will be fostered and fulfilled at home and in the classroom. To do so, we are raising the ceiling and the floor of our education standards and putting parents back in charge of their own children’s lives.   

This week, in light of the recent reports, is what I propose HB 2426 To eliminate withholding any award, recognition or postsecondary scholarship eligibility earned in Virginia by students. Parents and students will receive notices about these honors immediately, so they don’t run the risk of losing their earned opportunities.

This administration has proven that strengthened opportunity in collective education can — and must — come without placing a cap on individual achievement. 

We did this by increasing teacher salaries, funding lab schools, and providing infrastructure funding. After delivering the Virginia Literacy Act on bipartisan terms, we began to push our curriculum towards the top of the nation. To fund transformative tutoring, we are partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Schools that most need us are also provided with math and reading coaches. 

Meanwhile, Fairfax County — home to Thomas Jefferson High School — has chosen a different path. Rather than invest in boosting expectations, the county has spent $455,000 of taxpayer dollars to fund equity training in schools — and chase the folly of equal outcomes for every student without exception, no matter the cost. 

Virginia is unwilling to pay this price. In addition to the lower standards and learning losses caused by Covid closures, Virginia’s children deserve an educational environment that celebrates and encourages achievement, and not condemns them. 

Every child can reach their potential through education. Shouldn’t our schools be the first to celebrate each child’s success?

Refusing to award high-performing students for equity reasons is fundamentally wrong. Virginia cannot afford to keep the best and brightest students behind bars in order to ensure equal outcomes for all students. 

Glenn Youngkin (R), is Governor of Virginia.

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