The Virginia government meeting held on February 18, 2025, featured a poignant testimony from a mother, known as Nana, regarding her daughter Sage's traumatic experiences and the challenges faced in the school system. The session, which lasted from 10:50 AM to 2:23 PM, included discussions on mental health, bullying, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in supporting students.

Nana recounted the adoption of Sage after the loss of her son, highlighting the joy and creativity Sage brought into their lives. However, the onset of puberty and the COVID-19 pandemic led to Sage experiencing severe depression and anxiety, requiring treatment. Nana emphasized the importance of communication between the school and parents, which deteriorated when Sage entered high school. She described how Sage began identifying as a boy named Draco, a change that was not communicated to her, despite her mental health history.

The testimony took a harrowing turn as Nana detailed incidents of bullying and a traumatic assault Sage faced at school. She criticized the school for failing to inform her about these incidents, which led to Sage running away and being victimized by traffickers. The emotional toll on both Nana and Sage was evident as she described the distressing circumstances surrounding Sage's abduction and the subsequent legal battles to regain custody.

Nana's account raised critical questions about the role of schools in safeguarding students and the legal obligations of educators to inform parents about significant changes in their children's lives. The meeting underscored the need for better support systems for vulnerable students and highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Sage as she continues to recover from her traumatic experiences.

The session concluded with a call for more comprehensive policies to protect students and ensure that parents are kept informed and involved in their children's well-being. The implications of this testimony are significant, as it sheds light on the intersection of mental health, education, and child protection in Virginia.