HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards wants to assure the community that HCPS “remains a safe, welcoming place for all.”

Dr. Richards shared on Facebook a copy of The White House’s fact sheet titled President Donald J. Trump Ends Indoctrination in America’s Schools where Trump says HCPS “implemented a policy forcing teachers to “always use student’s preferred names and pronouns” while using different ones with their parents.”

“The claims in their statements are false. We do not have a policy that violates anyone’s rights or indoctrinates children.
What we do have is a culture of respect—one that honors the dignity and diversity of all students, families, and educators.
Naming specific school divisions is using fear as a weapon. Fear to silence educators. Fear to divide communities. Fear to force compliance with an ideology that deliberately targets the most vulnerable.
Let me be clear: I will not be intimidated. I stand firm in my commitment to ensuring that HCPS remains a safe, welcoming place for all,” Dr. Richards said in his statement.