Zenaida Perez, a public school teacher in Fairfax County, has revealed that she warned school officials seven times since May 2022 about allegations that a school social worker facilitated a student’s 2021 abortion without parental consent. Despite her repeated warnings, the school district reportedly ignored her concerns until a high-powered lawyer began investigating the matter, prompting the district to launch an internal inquiry.
Perez, an English as a second language (ESOL) teacher, first voiced her concerns in a meeting with then-principal Chad Lehman and an assistant principal in May 2022. She later followed up with a letter and a recorded meeting in November 2022. Despite her repeated warnings, the district claimed it had only recently learned about the allegations, sparking criticism over its handling of the matter. The school district’s superintendent, Michelle Reid, responded by stating the district had taken immediate action to engage an external investigator to gather the facts.
The student involved in the alleged abortion reportedly told Perez that the social worker had made an appointment for her at an abortion clinic and paid for the procedure without informing her family. The student, who is now 17, said she was worried about her family’s reaction. The student’s guardian, an uncle, later expressed anger upon learning about the situation. Perez’s account has since been corroborated by multiple documents, including emails and a recorded meeting.
Perez has faced backlash from school officials, who have remained silent on the matter. A school spokesperson stated, ‘As this is an ongoing personnel matter, we are not able to comment at this time.’ However, Perez has continued to speak out, now with the support of a high-powered lawyer investigating the matter. She has vowed to continue fighting for the truth, stating, ‘I feel strong. I have truth and God on my side.’