The Virginia General Assembly convened on February 21, 2025, to discuss pressing issues affecting education and reproductive health care. The session highlighted significant concerns regarding the state's performance in math education and the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights.

Delegate Carlson opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of reproductive health care, stating that individuals should have control over their own health decisions. This included a call for continued support for various reproductive health services, such as IVF, birth control, and affordable childcare.

The conversation then shifted to education, particularly math recovery, where Virginia was recently ranked last in the nation. Delegate Carlson, a former middle school math teacher, criticized the Republican administration for failing to deliver on promises related to post-pandemic education recovery. She pointed out that there were no Republican initiatives proposed this year to address the math crisis, while Democrats had introduced a budget with significant investments aimed at improving math education.

Carlson detailed several Democratic proposals, including funding for advanced math classes in rural areas and the establishment of a task force to enhance math performance. She expressed frustration that some Republicans voted against these initiatives, which she believed would benefit students.

The session also included remarks from Delegate Higgins, who defended Republican efforts to improve math education, citing a bill that aimed to allow middle school students to access advanced math courses, which was ultimately rejected in committee.

In a separate discussion, Delegate Gamara addressed the political climate surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in light of recent executive orders perceived as undermining these efforts. She argued that the current political narrative risks rewriting history and marginalizing the contributions of African Americans. Gamara called for a commitment to preserving educational integrity and ensuring that all students learn the complete history of their country.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and action to address the challenges facing Virginia's education system and to uphold the rights of individuals in making personal health care decisions. The discussions underscored the ongoing political divide and the need for collaborative solutions to improve the state's educational outcomes and protect reproductive rights.