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Virginia school board silenced parents concerned with MS-13-affiliated student in school, lawsuit claims

"Time and time again, the Loudoun County School Board has demonstrated through its actions an unwillingness to respect those rights exercised by community members and parents commenting concerned with the actions of their public schools. This latest constitutional violation is even more pronounced, given that the topic was related to the safety of students," America First Legal Senior Advisor Ian Prior, whose organization is representing the parents, said in a statement.

Students, parents and others hold signs outside the Loudoun County School Board meeting on Oct. 26, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

In a press release after the incident, the board claimed that the parents violated the rules of the public comment period and that they were attempting to prevent the spread of "misinformation."

"A number of individuals sought to discuss what was reported in the media and discuss a specific student despite repeated requests from the Board Chair not to do so. As a result, the Board Chair concluded public comment to restore order, in accordance with School Board public comment procedures," the release said. "Misinformation is on the rise, and school divisions like LCPS must be vigilant in actively combating it. It is our responsibility to call out misinformation when allegations are incorrect, unsubstantiated, or deliberately used to create division within our community."

Patti Hidalgo Menders speaks out against board actions during a Loudoun County Public School Board meeting in Ashburn, Virginia, on Oct. 12, 2021. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

"This is particularly dangerous when it involves our children and their safety," the release read.

In the board’s latest controversy, the parents argue that they have a right to voice their concerns about the district’s policy during public hearings.

Loudoun County School Board members vote to enact Policy 8040 during a school board meeting at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building on Aug. 11, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The Loudoun County School Board did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.