The Latest from VEA

The Virginia Education Association unequivocally condemns violence in all its forms and mourns any loss of life. However, we are deeply concerned by Superintendent Gullickson’s rushed statement that threatens the livelihoods of Virginia educators without due process or complete information.

While we agree that educators should model professionalism, we cannot support a blanket condemnation that fails to distinguish between private personal expression and professional conduct. Virginia’s educators, like all citizens, retain their First Amendment rights to political speech, even when that speech may be controversial or poorly considered.

The Superintendent’s threat of immediate licensure revocation without proper investigation or consideration of context sets a dangerous precedent. We call for measured responses that respect both the gravity of violence and the constitutional rights of our members.

Rather than rushing to judgment, we urge school divisions to follow established procedures, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure that any disciplinary actions are proportionate and fair. The VEA stands ready to support educators whose due process rights have been violated in this climate of political overreach.

Our students benefit most when their educators feel safe to engage as full citizens in our democracy, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in their classrooms. We will not allow fear tactics to silence Virginia’s teachers or undermine their fundamental rights.