We are parents and community members who share a deep commitment to our students, our schools, and our community's well-being. We donate our time, energy, and money to support FCPS. It is possible to support our school system and question its decisions.

For the past few weeks, parents and community members sought clarity on FCPS policies on accepting donated items, particularly items with branded materials designed to market goods, services, and ideologies. As we have done in the past, when questions and concerns arose, we reached out to school officials, including administration and school board members.

Rather than responding to our emails or taking steps to engage and understand these concerns, school board members posted videos on social media. Sadly, this is not the first time an FCPS school board member has used social media to silence disagreement by demeaning parents and other community members who advocate for their children and our schools.

When our school leaders use social media to attack those who question school policies, this discourages parents, students, and other community members from participating in our community's school system. Students also see the hypocrisy inherent in a system that establishes a code of conduct that addresses student bullying yet fails to hold its leaders to similar standards.

We ask FCPS to adopt a social media policy for school board members to ensure that they conduct themselves online in a way that reflects well on the Board and FCPS. Members should refrain from posting statements that repeat rumors or demean those with whom they disagree. These actions may constitute defamation if the statement results in harm to another person.

Furthermore, we ask that the FCPS clearly define and consistently apply its policy on distributing information/materials. This policy states that approval will only be granted for materials from governmental and nonprofit community organizations. It does not restrict local businesses from making monetary donations to FCPS.

Also, per the policy, "Approval will not be given for materials which endorse or encourage the use of alcohol, tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, or any illegal substance or action."

We ask FCPS to consider materials from an organization that endorses or encourages the use of weapons in the same way that materials that endorse or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco products, and nicotine vapor products are considered.

All voices are crucial in shaping the future of our schools. We ask FCPS to commit to establishing a culture that supports its mission to work in partnership with students, families, and the community to ensure each student acquires the knowledge, skills, and core values to achieve personal success and enrich the community.