Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread where folks can debate the merits of the old and new admissions policy, level accusations of racism, etc. As the parent of a current applicant, what I want to know is what is likely to happen to the current applicants (the Class of 2026), who started the process months ago? There isn't realistically time to start a whole new admissions process. Isn't the thing to do to eliminate the experience factors (i.e. bonus points for being economically disadvantaged, an English language learner, or attending a historically underrepresented school) and evaluate the current applicants based on the remaining factors (i.e. GPA, student portrait sheet, problem-solving essay)?

Just got this email-

Dear TJHSST Applicants & Parents/Guardians,

We are reaching out to clarify, as best we can at this stage, the current situation regarding the Class of 2026 application process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in the light of the recent court ruling.

While many questions remain unanswered at this point, we wanted to let our prospective applicants and their families know that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be requesting a “stay” in anticipation of an appeal regarding the judge’s ruling that invalidated the existing application process.

If the “stay” request is granted, it gives us time to formulate an approach that we hope will allow the current evaluation of applicants to be completed in line with the existing process and anticipated release deadline of April 29th.

We are aware that failure to grant the request to “stay” would cause you undue uncertainty. Applicants have met the stringent minimum academic criteria for application, including a GPA of 3.5 or above, along with enrollment in honors level courses. While also completing the short answer/essay responses for the Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay.

The students accepted to the Class of 2025 using this process have proven that increasing diversity in the school has not led to a drop in academic standards.

Fairfax County School Board believes the ruling is not supported by law and is considering all options around an appeal. We believe that our current application process will eventually be proven to meet all legal requirements.

As developments unfold in this matter, we will be sure to reach out again as soon as we have an update for you. In the meantime, we want to thank everyone in the TJ community for your patience and understanding at this time.

Regards,

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread where folks can debate the merits of the old and new admissions policy, level accusations of racism, etc. As the parent of a current applicant, what I want to know is what is likely to happen to the current applicants (the Class of 2026), who started the process months ago? There isn't realistically time to start a whole new admissions process. Isn't the thing to do to eliminate the experience factors (i.e. bonus points for being economically disadvantaged, an English language learner, or attending a historically underrepresented school) and evaluate the current applicants based on the remaining factors (i.e. GPA, student portrait sheet, problem-solving essay)?

Just got this email-

Dear TJHSST Applicants & Parents/Guardians,

We are reaching out to clarify, as best we can at this stage, the current situation regarding the Class of 2026 application process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in the light of the recent court ruling.

While many questions remain unanswered at this point, we wanted to let our prospective applicants and their families know that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be requesting a “stay” in anticipation of an appeal regarding the judge’s ruling that invalidated the existing application process.

If the “stay” request is granted, it gives us time to formulate an approach that we hope will allow the current evaluation of applicants to be completed in line with the existing process and anticipated release deadline of April 29th.

We are aware that failure to grant the request to “stay” would cause you undue uncertainty. Applicants have met the stringent minimum academic criteria for application, including a GPA of 3.5 or above, along with enrollment in honors level courses. While also completing the short answer/essay responses for the Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay.

The students accepted to the Class of 2025 using this process have proven that increasing diversity in the school has not led to a drop in academic standards.

Fairfax County School Board believes the ruling is not supported by law and is considering all options around an appeal. We believe that our current application process will eventually be proven to meet all legal requirements.

As developments unfold in this matter, we will be sure to reach out again as soon as we have an update for you. In the meantime, we want to thank everyone in the TJ community for your patience and understanding at this time.

Regards,

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread where folks can debate the merits of the old and new admissions policy, level accusations of racism, etc. As the parent of a current applicant, what I want to know is what is likely to happen to the current applicants (the Class of 2026), who started the process months ago? There isn't realistically time to start a whole new admissions process. Isn't the thing to do to eliminate the experience factors (i.e. bonus points for being economically disadvantaged, an English language learner, or attending a historically underrepresented school) and evaluate the current applicants based on the remaining factors (i.e. GPA, student portrait sheet, problem-solving essay)?

Just got this email-

Dear TJHSST Applicants & Parents/Guardians,

We are reaching out to clarify, as best we can at this stage, the current situation regarding the Class of 2026 application process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in the light of the recent court ruling.

While many questions remain unanswered at this point, we wanted to let our prospective applicants and their families know that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be requesting a “stay” in anticipation of an appeal regarding the judge’s ruling that invalidated the existing application process.

If the “stay” request is granted, it gives us time to formulate an approach that we hope will allow the current evaluation of applicants to be completed in line with the existing process and anticipated release deadline of April 29th.

We are aware that failure to grant the request to “stay” would cause you undue uncertainty. Applicants have met the stringent minimum academic criteria for application, including a GPA of 3.5 or above, along with enrollment in honors level courses. While also completing the short answer/essay responses for the Student Portrait Sheet and Problem-Solving Essay.

The students accepted to the Class of 2025 using this process have proven that increasing diversity in the school has not led to a drop in academic standards.

Fairfax County School Board believes the ruling is not supported by law and is considering all options around an appeal. We believe that our current application process will eventually be proven to meet all legal requirements.

As developments unfold in this matter, we will be sure to reach out again as soon as we have an update for you. In the meantime, we want to thank everyone in the TJ community for your patience and understanding at this time.

Regards,

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread where folks can debate the merits of the old and new admissions policy, level accusations of racism, etc. As the parent of a current applicant, what I want to know is what is likely to happen to the current applicants (the Class of 2026), who started the process months ago? There isn't realistically time to start a whole new admissions process. Isn't the thing to do to eliminate the experience factors (i.e. bonus points for being economically disadvantaged, an English language learner, or attending a historically underrepresented school) and evaluate the current applicants based on the remaining factors (i.e. GPA, student portrait sheet, problem-solving essay)?

Anonymous wrote:What happened at the "secret" fairfax school board meeting that was held recently?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.

This is thoughtful.

Could the school board just announce a new process or would they need to go through the normal steps of public comment, community engagement etc?

I agree that they are running out of time.

There is significant precedent for a speedy resolution for a stay of an injunction. As long as the case remains with the 4th Circuit, which it would for some time, they would have jurisdiction to issue the stay quickly so that the process could continue for 2026.

Dream on.

That's what these so called liberals insisted when the lawsuits were filed. No way Jose would the plaintiffs win. Mocking them every step of the way. Who's laughing now?

Check out what happened to Berkeley when they asked the SCT of CA for a stay of CA Ct of Appeals' order that affirmed lower court's order to cut freshmen admissions by more than 35% this year when the decisions will be going out next month. CA Ct of Appeals said no and now CA Sup Ct said no.

https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2022/03/uc-berkeley-enrollment-cap/

That Berkeley case is a real head-shaker. Here we have the "we are superior because we are more college-educated" liberals using an environmental protection law of all things to limit the number of students that a top university can educate. This shows you the dangers of unintended consequences when it comes to overly complex administrative law. Maybe they can negotiate a settlement for the reduction to get phased in for future years so that this decision wouldn't be so life-changing to thousands of students.

This is what happens when a group of people have no rational foundational basis for their thought and everything is a reaction to triggered feelings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.

This is thoughtful.

Could the school board just announce a new process or would they need to go through the normal steps of public comment, community engagement etc?

I agree that they are running out of time.

There is significant precedent for a speedy resolution for a stay of an injunction. As long as the case remains with the 4th Circuit, which it would for some time, they would have jurisdiction to issue the stay quickly so that the process could continue for 2026.

Dream on.

That's what these so called liberals insisted when the lawsuits were filed. No way Jose would the plaintiffs win. Mocking them every step of the way. Who's laughing now?

Check out what happened to Berkeley when they asked the SCT of CA for a stay of CA Ct of Appeals' order that affirmed lower court's order to cut freshmen admissions by more than 35% this year when the decisions will be going out next month. CA Ct of Appeals said no and now CA Sup Ct said no.

https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2022/03/uc-berkeley-enrollment-cap/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.

This is thoughtful.

Could the school board just announce a new process or would they need to go through the normal steps of public comment, community engagement etc?

I agree that they are running out of time.

There is significant precedent for a speedy resolution for a stay of an injunction. As long as the case remains with the 4th Circuit, which it would for some time, they would have jurisdiction to issue the stay quickly so that the process could continue for 2026.

Dream on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.

This is thoughtful.

Could the school board just announce a new process or would they need to go through the normal steps of public comment, community engagement etc?

I agree that they are running out of time.

There is significant precedent for a speedy resolution for a stay of an injunction. As long as the case remains with the 4th Circuit, which it would for some time, they would have jurisdiction to issue the stay quickly so that the process could continue for 2026.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.

This is thoughtful.

Could the school board just announce a new process or would they need to go through the normal steps of public comment, community engagement etc?

I agree that they are running out of time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could just have a lost year. No 2026.

Nope. There was nothing in that ruling that said they had to abandon decisions for this year. It’s next year and beyond that will be changed.

When a party is "enjoined" from something, it doesn't mean next year. It means immediately, unless a stay is issued by the court or a higher court stays the ruling in some fashion. Federal judges are not known for their sense of humor on these points. And federal courts don't just wait around til "next year" to see if you'll maybe, possibly, pretty please address the unconstitutional harm that you have caused.

FCPS cannot use that admissions system unless the 4th Circuit steps in. And the Circuit Court of Appeals will not do so until asked to by FCPS, which even then is not a given and will likely take some time. At this point, FCPS will need to come up with an alternative process regardless unless they wish risking contempt charges. FCPS is running out of time on all fronts.

I feel for the kids involved in this process.