Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a pardon for a Loudoun County father who was arrested at a school board meeting in 2021 while seeking answers about his daughter’s sexual assault on school property. Scott Smith was charged with obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct for his behavior at the meeting, which took place shortly after his 15-year-old daughter was assaulted in her school’s bathroom in Ashburn, Virginia. Smith was convicted of both charges in 2021 but had his conviction for resisting arrest later dismissed. He received a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail.
Governor Youngkin issued the pardon, stating that Scott Smith is a dedicated parent who faced unwarranted charges in his pursuit to protect his daughter. He emphasized that parents matter in Virginia and that their fundamental right to be involved in their child’s education should never be undermined. The Governor’s decision to grant the pardon is seen as a reflection of his commitment to empowering parents.
The arrest of Scott Smith at the school board meeting sparked a national conversation around school choice and parental rights. Conservative media highlighted the sexual assault case to promote anti-transgender talking points. Governor Youngkin, during his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, focused heavily on these issues, pledging to embrace parents and their concerns.
Deputies later arrested a male student in connection with the sexual assault against Smith’s daughter, and he was found guilty in that case. He also pleaded no contest to a separate sexual assault case at a different school.
In an interview following his pardon, Scott Smith expressed relief and stated that what happened to him should have never occurred. He believes that getting a fair and free trial in today’s America is nearly impossible.
By pardoning Scott Smith, Governor Youngkin aims to provide closure and justice to him and his family, allowing them to move past this injustice. The decision also reinforces the Governor’s commitment to parental empowerment and protecting the rights of parents in Virginia.