Public schools; right to free public elementary and secondary education, discrimination, etc.

This legislation affirms the right of all students in Virginia to receive a free public education, regardless of their background. It explicitly prohibits public schools from discriminating against students based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. The bill mandates that school boards implement clear policies to investigate and address complaints of discrimination, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive environments for every child. For Arlington families, this means bolstered protections against unequal treatment in the classroom and a stronger legal framework for holding school districts accountable. By standardizing these civil rights protections statewide, the bill aims to reduce educational disparities and ensure that every student has equitable access to the resources and support necessary to succeed academically and socially within the public school system.