WHEREAS, access to a high-quality public education is fundamental to the success of the Commonwealth of Virginia and essential to preparing students for meaningful careers, civic engagement, and lifelong learning; and   

WHEREAS, educational equity ensures that every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, geographic location, or background, has access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive; and   

WHEREAS, Virginia’s public schools serve a diverse population of students whose varied experiences and perspectives strengthen classrooms and communities across the Commonwealth; and   

WHEREAS, school boards across the Commonwealth of Virginia work to support schools through advocacy, training, and leadership development, promoting policies and practices that advance equity and excellence in public education; and   

WHEREAS, advancing equity in education requires collaboration among educators, families, community leaders, policymakers, and students to remove barriers, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child can succeed; and   

WHEREAS, Equity in Education Month provides an opportunity to reaffirm Virginia’s commitment to inclusive, student-centered policies that foster academic achievement and opportunity for all learners;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize March 2026 as EQUITY IN EDUCATION MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.