Washington, D.C. — Tonight, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe to become Virginia’s next governor. Youngkin’s victory — the first statewide victory for a Virginia Republican in more than a decade — was fueled, in large part, by parents who are angry about what their kids are exposed to and how they are treated by Virginia public schools. Undaunted by those (including McAuliffe) who suggested they should have little input, Virginia’s parents used this election to teach a thing or two to the political class.

Carrie Lukas, vice president of Independent Women’s Voice, released the following statement: 

“Today, Virginia parents ‘schooled’ the Old Dominion political class. This is a victory for Virginia parents, who sent a loud message that despite what some in the political class might think, parents aren’t going to be pushed aside. Youngkin’s victory will send shockwaves nationwide — parents across the country are speaking up because they want more leverage and better options for their children. They want school systems that remember that they work for parents and children, not for activist bureaucracies. And they want schools that educate, rather than indoctrinate.

“Independent Women’s Voice fought to ensure that all parents and citizens were aware of what was going on in Virginia schools. It was eye opening to see that content being showcased in schools was considered too explicit for late night television. That just isn’t right. Parents and kids deserve better. Let’s hope now, with this important moment, real, positive change begins.” 

Independent Women’s Voice’s “Toxic Schools” campaign brought mainstream awareness to the graphic and explicit content that is available in Virginia public schools. Federal law prohibits TV stations from airing obscene, indecent or profane content, marketers must follow text message industry S.H.A.F.T regulations, and social media companies have similar rules in place that make it impossible to actually show adults the explicit content that is inappropriate for — and yet available to — our kids. 

To learn more, visit toxischools.org.