Overview

• Defending Education published 2024 emails showing Richard “Riki” Cox corresponded with Arlington School Board member Kathleen Clark after pool staff directed him to a single-use facility.
• In one reply, Clark wrote that Cox should be able to use the showers and changing rooms he is most comfortable using, referencing APS aquatics guidance.
• Arlington officials say county and school policies allow people to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.
• Cox, who identifies as a woman, faces more than 20 charges tied to alleged exposure in female locker rooms at Washington-Liberty High School, Wakefield High School, and county pools.
• The revelations fed the governor’s debate as Abigail Spanberger emphasized local decision-making on school policies and Winsome Earle-Sears backed keeping 2022 state guidelines requiring facility use by biological sex.