Critics say the move could chill classroom debate, and is likely vulnerable to legal challenges.

Advocates and officials say the county’s existing mental health infrastructure has struggled to deal with increased demand during the pandemic.

As students say they want school to feel safer and more inclusive, five parents are suing the school board to block a racial equity program.

While some outreach and grassroots efforts are proving successful for small swaths of their communities, advocates still are struggling to navigate a dearth of vaccine doses and a generally chaotic system for securing them.

Deputy County Manager Samia Byrd will fill the role and work on a countywide action plan for racial equity.