Appeal Denied: Loudoun County Targets Students, FFLC to Fight Back in Court
Loudoun County, VA — Loudoun County Public Schools has issued a final denial of appeal, permanently branding two innocent boys with a false Title IX violation for nothing more than expressing discomfort about a girl in their locker room. These were children—sophomore students—who should have been protected, not punished. With the district’s refusal to correct this injustice, the Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) announced today it is preparing a lawsuit, in partnership with America First Legal, to defend the boys and their families.
FFLC President Victoria Cobb said the district’s decision represents “a gross abuse of authority.” She continued: “By falsely labeling these boys as sexual harassers, Loudoun County is weaponizing Title IX to punish free speech and religious conviction. No child should face suspension or a permanent scar on their record simply for standing up for their privacy.”
Both boys have been branded with Title IX “sexual harassment” determinations on their academic records. One has since moved out of the district but still carries the permanent mark, while the other remains a student and is facing suspension under the district’s order. “These punishments could devastate their academic and career futures, placing an undeserved stain on their reputations for years to come,” said Josh Hetzler, FFLC’s senior Legal Counsel. “We will not stop fighting until these boys are vindicated.”
“Loudoun County Public Schools’ illegal weaponization of federal law against its students has gone on far too long,” said Ian Prior, Senior Counselor at America First Legal. “We look forward to pursuing full justice for these boys putting an end to LCPS’s systemic and intentional deprivation of the constitutional rights of its students.”
Legal Demands
The forthcoming lawsuit will demand:
• The false Title IX charge be expunged from both students’ records
• Immediate injunctive relief to prevent the ongoing suspension of the student still enrolled in Loudoun County
• Compensation for the severe emotional, reputational, and educational harm inflicted on these families
Parents Speak Out
• “This isn’t just about our sons—it’s about every child in Loudoun County. If the district can weaponize Title IX in this way, no family is safe,” said Seth Wolfe, the father of the boy still attending school in the district. “No parent should have to fear their child will be branded a ‘sexual harasser’ simply for standing up for their privacy.”
• “Our boys have endured enormous emotional pain and mental anguish,” said Renae Smith, whose family moved out of district after their son was targeted by LCPS. “Our boys should be focused on learning, not battling false accusations from the very system meant to protect them.”
