On Friday, August 5th, 2022, employees of Stafford County Public Schools were mandated to attend a teambuilding event at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, where 120 people suffered heat-related illness, in addition to eight attendees who required hospital treatment. The event began at 9:30 A.M.; by 11:30 A.M., the heat index had reached 92° F. EMS and a mass casualty bus arrived to the scene.

Employees were told to provide their own water. The water that was provided by Stafford County Public Schools came out to about 6,000 16-oz bottles (despite 4,300 employees having attended). Those who elected not to attend the event in the extreme heat were forced to take sick leave. Some teachers reported being instructed to remain in their seats, despite the extreme heat.

According to WUSA9 correspondent Alanea Cremen: “Fredericksburg Fire Chief Michael Jones says they were given no prior notice of the event… the department is usually notified of emergency planning 3-4 months ahead of an event.” Additionally (from James Baron of The Free-Lance Star):  

“Stafford County Fire Chief Joseph Cardello also said his department was unaware of the event when the county sent a fleet of rescue vehicles to the stadium at 11:13 a.m.
‘There may have been some on-site medical staff, but Stafford County Fire and Rescue was not present or made aware of the event,’ Cardello said.” 

Thomas W. Taylor, Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent, must be held responsible for his decisions to coordinate this event without:

• contacting the fire department in accordance with protocol 
• providing adequate hydration for SCPS employees
• allowing employees to miss the event without being forced to take sick leave
• compassion for employees suffering from heat sensitivity
• failing to take into account the extreme heat typical of Fredericksburg, Virginia in August
• providing easy access to air conditioning

In pursuit of justice for our local school employees who were irresponsibly subjected to these dangerous conditions, we demand the immediate resignation of Dr. Thomas W. Taylor in response to his reckless actions. No individual must endure human rights violations in the name of employee morale. 

(photo credit to WUSA9)