In a recent election outcome that underscores the continued pushback against right-wing forces, Allison Spillman, a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and the mother of an LGBTQ+ child, emerged victorious in a Virginia school board race. Her opponent, Meg Bryce, the daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, faced a resounding defeat, with Spillman securing the open at-large seat on the Albemarle County School Board by a decisive margin of 62 percent to 38 percent, as reported by the local newspaper, The Daily Progress.
Albemarle County, which encompasses Charlottesville, known for its liberal leanings, has a history of progressive values, despite being targeted by white supremacists for a rally in 2017. Spillman, a mother of five children attending Albemarle County public schools, one of whom is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasized her commitment to inclusive education and secured the Democratic Party’s endorsement.
During the campaign, concerns were raised that Bryce would introduce far-right policies, potentially restricting access to diverse literature and stifling LGBTQ+ content within the school system. Some voters worried that she might redirect funding toward private schools and homeschooling, prompting local resident Tom David to remark, “That’s just not how public education should be.”
While school board races in Virginia are officially nonpartisan, Bryce’s affiliation with the Republican Party and her familial connection to the conservative Scalia name were notable factors. Spillman’s alignment with the Democratic Party aligned with the county’s political landscape, as Albemarle County is known for its Democratic majority.
Bryce refuted allegations of intending to ban books and asserted her focus on elevating academic standards within the public school system. She attributed the challenges she faced during the campaign to discrimination stemming from her family’s prominent conservative legacy.
The late Justice Scalia, who served on the Supreme Court for three decades, held staunchly conservative views, often opposing LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and advocating for gun rights. Spillman, in her victory speech, rallied her supporters, affirming, “Our county is not going to stand for that extremist rhetoric,” emphasizing her commitment to a more inclusive and progressive educational agenda.
Spillman’s key priorities include fostering inclusive schools, advocating for collective bargaining rights for faculty and staff, ensuring access to mental health resources for students, and, in alignment with her opponent’s goals, raising academic achievement standards. Bryce, for her part, sought to shed light on the challenges faced by the school district, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure quality education for all students.