A hidden camera recording has revealed a controversial policy within Arlington Public Schools (APS) in Virginia: students are permitted to participate in activities and use facilities – including restrooms – aligning with their self-identified gender. This decision directly challenges interpretations of gender identity set forth by the federal Department of Education and a previous presidential executive order.
Chris Willmore, a key supervisor within APS overseeing health, physical education, and athletics, openly acknowledged the policy in the October recording obtained by Accuracy in Media. He stated the district operates under its own interpretation of Title IX, prioritizing a student’s identified gender for all participation and access.
Willmore also admitted APS is currently engaged in a legal dispute with the federal Department of Education over this very issue, noting that at least five school divisions in Northern Virginia share a similar stance of non-compliance with federal guidance.
The revelation arrives amidst a deeply concerning case involving Richard Cox, a registered sex offender. Cox, who identifies as transgender, faces multiple charges – including indecent exposure and taking indecent liberties with children – stemming from incidents on APS grounds in late 2024.
APS defends its policy, asserting it aligns with both state and federal law, specifically referencing the Virginia Values Act and recent court decisions. A district spokesperson highlighted a court ruling affirming protections for student restroom access based on gender identity, stating any policy change would be a legal violation.
The conflict stems from a January executive order issued previously, which explicitly opposed allowing individuals to self-identify as a different gender for access to single-sex spaces. This led to legal battles between APS and the Department of Education, as the school system sought to protect its federal funding.
APS filed lawsuits attempting to overturn a “high-risk” designation that threatened their funding, but a federal judge dismissed the case, citing jurisdictional issues. The judge, however, acknowledged the precedent set by a previous case upholding transgender student bathroom access under Title IX.
The original executive order argued against the notion of allowing individuals to self-identify into spaces designated for the opposite sex, framing it as a fundamental misstep. The situation underscores a growing national debate surrounding gender identity, legal interpretations, and the safety of students in school environments.
Attempts to reach Chris Willmore for comment were unsuccessful, leaving unanswered questions about the district’s future course of action in the face of ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny.
