Subject line: Upholding Respect and Inclusion at Marshall Academy 

September 14, 2026

Dear Marshall Academy Community,

We have recently been made aware of a student who used a racial slur and made statements about a peer’s perceived national origin.

Let me be clear: FCPS does not tolerate the use of hate speech or slurs in alignment with the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities. This incident does not align with the inclusive environment we seek to cultivate at Marshall Academy. FCPS has made a commitment that when incidents like this occur, we will be transparent in addressing them and clear in our commitment to ensuring we offer a safe school environment.

Every student in FCPS has the right to feel supported, respected, and affirmed in our schools. Words matter in every context and every situation. In partnership with the FCPS Chief Equity Office, we will be implementing the following steps to address this incident with our school community:

• Conduct follow-up check-ins to determine whether additional support is needed.
• Reinforce behavioral expectations through appropriate schoolwide communications.
• Provide learning related to belonging, empathy, responsible communication, and the impact of identity-based language.
• Partner with the school-based Equity Lead to strengthen proactive education and prevention efforts.
• Provide restorative conversations and reflection opportunities to help students understand the impact of their words and actions.

We ask for your partnership in reinforcing our values here at FCPS with your child. The FCPS Equity Office has identified recommended resources that families may find helpful when talking with their children about hate speech, bias, inclusion, acceptance, and treating others with dignity and respect.  

Every student in FCPS has the right to feel supported, respected, and affirmed in our schools. Words matter in every context and every situation. 

Our students can make a real impact in the world by learning to embrace and value differences rather than using them to divide. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,

 

Greg Luongo 

Marshall Academy Administrator