Karl Frisch, a Democratic Fairfax County School Board member, was sworn in for his second term on Wednesday.
Rather than using a Bible, he opted to use a stack of banned LGBTQ children’s books as part of his oath of office.
This unconventional choice has sparked criticism due to concerns that it might normalize behavior deemed unacceptable by some.
Frisch holds the titles of Vice Chair and soon-to-be Chair for the Board, and is both the first openly LGBTQ+ individual elected to local office in Fairfax County—Virginia’s largest—and one of few openly LGBTQ+ school board members across the Commonwealth, according to Blue Virginia.
He won his re-election by more than 30 points and received 67% of votes this year—a larger share than in 2019.
“Fairfax County residents want safe and inclusive schools with exceptional, well-compensated educators and equitable access to the rigorous academic and enrichment opportunities every student needs to succeed,” said Vice Chair Frisch. “
“I am grateful for the trust Providence District families have placed in me, and with tonight’s Oath, I commit to standing strong for these values and advancing these priorities with my new and returning colleagues.”
The recent action of Fairfax County School Board Member Ryan McElveen Frisch during his oath-taking ceremony reflects a concerning shift in societal norms. By selecting books such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Lawn Boy,” “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” “Gender Queer,” and “Flamer,” which have been subject to bans in various districts, instead of a Bible for his swearing-in process, he has undermined the traditional sanctity associated with the event and represented an affront to historical values.
Although school board members were given the freedom to choose any book for their swearing-in without any specific instruction to bring a religious text according to a report by Blue Virginia, this action still raises concerns about shifting societal norms.
“I’m told that Fairfax County School Board members brought whatever books they wanted to their swearing-in, were NOT told specifically to bring a religious book and were NOT provided one. Apparently, only one or two members were sworn in on a Bible, while some weren’t sworn in on any book at all,” the news outlet reported.
JUST IN: Fairfax County school board member Karl Frisch is sworn in on a stack of books titled: Gender Queer, All Boys Arent Blue, Flamer, and others depicting the gay, sexualization of children..
IS THIS WHO WE WANT MAKING DECISIONS ON THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN?
One of… pic.twitter.com/kZdgc9louS
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) December 15, 2023
*****WARNING: DISGUSTING AND INAPPROPRIATE IMAGES****
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ANOTHER WARNING BECAUSE IT REALLY IS DISGUSTING.
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The image below is a panel from the kids’ book Gender Queer.
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