Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that the Office of Civil Rights found Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation determined that FCPS discriminated against Asian American students in its admissions process.
The Attorney General initiated an investigation in January 2023 after reports surfaced that race was a factor in changes to the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ). These changes reportedly disadvantaged Asian American students.
In 2020, the Fairfax County School Board revised TJ’s admissions policy due to data showing higher admission rates for Asian American students compared to black and Hispanic students. At that time, Asian American students consistently represented over 65% of admitted classes. The new policy resulted in reducing Asian American admissions from 73% to 54%, a significant decrease within one year.
Internal communications indicated this outcome was intentional. The Board reviewed multiple proposals until achieving their desired racial diversity balance, which meant fewer Asian American students were accepted. In private discussions, Board members acknowledged an “anti-Asian feel” and expressed intentions such as “kick out Asians,” and stated “Asians hate us.”
The policy implementation was characterized by minimal transparency, last-minute amendments, inadequate public input, and procedural irregularities. One Board member described it as the “messiest execution” witnessed in nearly a decade.
The matter has been referred to the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice for further enforcement under federal civil rights law.
