It has recently become public knowledge that Linda Martin, an elected member of the FCPS Board in the Frederick County Virginia Public School system, has on more then one occasion used the derogatory slur “retard” and “retarded” to negatively describe things or people publicly on Facebook. This behavior was first brought to light in August, but was swept under the rug by the justification that “she was raised in the 70’s”.  Numerous emails have been sent to the school board with little or no reply. 

As parents, grandparents, family, and a community, we need to send a message to the school board, as well as anyone who defends the use of that word, that we will not allow someone who uses slurs to have a say in our school systems. The school board is a group of people who we elect to represent our children of all abilities and to protect all from being bullied in school. Who do we turn to when the school board members are part of the problem?

If the school board members were to receive the same complaint regarding a teacher, they would surely act quickly. The teacher would most likely be fired or, at the very least, be reprimanded. Why are we not holding the school board members to the same standards we expect of anyone else in the school system? 


Please help us be heard by the school board so that we can ensure justice is served for our special needs community.