x
Breaking News
More () »

Fairfax County School Board member apologizes for saying ableist slur during meeting

A Fairfax County School Board member is under fire for using the "R" word during a board meeting Thursday night.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A Fairfax County School Board member has apologized after being caught on mic saying the "R" word during a board meeting Thursday night.

At-large member Karen Keys-Gamarra released the following statement in response:

"Last night during our Oct. 20, 2022, Fairfax County School Board meeting, I said something that I deeply regret. While I did not intend an offensive word to refer to any particular person or the parent community, I did insult my fellow school board members, and in turn, offended members of the community.

I thought the board should allow a parent to finish her point and was frustrated with the outcome. I know that word has historically been used to ridicule and demean others in ways that run counter to my beliefs and the work I’ve championed as a School Board member.

I deeply apologize for my words because that’s not what is in my heart. I have reached out to my colleagues on the board to ask for their forgiveness, too. I can only hope that the community will reflect on my entire body of work and find a way to forgive my lapse at that moment."

Two of her fellow Fairfax County School Board Members spoke to WUSA9.

Rachna Sizemore Heizer said "I'm glad to see that she's issued an apology, but I don't think it was appropriate for her to say she was frustrated. There's no excuses for using that word."

She claims it's not the first time Keys-Gamarra has used the word.

"That is actually the third time she's used it," said Sizemore Heizer. "The first my understanding, was in a conversation with another board member and she was told it was inappropriate. The second was actually in a conversation with me and I told her it was highly inappropriate and offensive and asked her not to use it."

Sizemore Heizer says Keys-Gamarra "did apologize and say she wouldn't use it again. So, I would say I was really taken aback and stunned when I learned she used it again."

Friday night WUSA9 reached Keys-Gamarra by phone. She didn't address the accusation. She declined an on-camera interview, but said she was 'learning' and 'very sorry.'

Fairfax County School Board Member Laura Jane Cohen told WUSA9 "we all have to walk the walk."

She went on to say, "if we're gonna talk about equity if we're going to talk about supporting all kids and I know that's something she believes, then our words matter."

Jennifer Litton Todd, a Fairfax County parent and disability rights advocate was angry after learning what had happened.

"Why are we still using that word? Especially a member of the school board," Litton Todd said.

Asra Nomani called it unacceptable. 

"We need a clean slate, this is a school board member that needs to go," Nomani said.

Friday night the Fairfax County School Board shared this letter with WUSA9:

Dear FCPS Community,

It has come to our attention that an inappropriate word was used at our October 20, 2022, School Board meeting. At-large Board Member Karen Keys-Gamarra has apologized for using an ableist slur that is offensive to not only the disability community but to our entire community. To be clear, it is unacceptable under any circumstances to use that word and we will be meeting to discuss this matter with her further.

We apologize for the hurt and offense this incident has caused in our community. The School Board is committed to fostering a responsive, caring, and inclusive culture where all feel valued, supported, and hopeful. The School Board Governance Manual establishes expectations of school board members to act with respect to community members.

Sincerely,

Fairfax County School Board

The full school board meeting can be seen below. 

DISCLAIMER: Offensive language is used in this video. 

READ NEXT:

Before You Leave, Check This Out