To the editor,
I was pleased to see the September 18 article in The Rapidan Register sharing the responses from candidates for the Madison County School Board. It’s important to learn about those seeking to represent our community, and I appreciated the chance to understand their goals and backgrounds.
However, I am deeply concerned about Britt Shankle’s candidacy. As a long-time resident of Virginia and parent of students in Madison, I find her public comments earlier this year incompatible with the values and goals of Madison County Public Schools.
In response to an NPR article about men’s health, Ms. Shankle wrote:
“Men die younger because they do stupid things, don’t listen to their mothers and generally have a ‘whatever doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger’ attitude. That’s what kills them. Women, on the other hand, are smarter, follow directions better, and don’t live by stupid mottos. Also, the gods give us the grace of enjoying our last years without having to take care of babies or men.”
Because of repercussions for these remarks from Encompass Community Supports leadership, she has since changed her screen name, but a screenshot of these initial comments can be found here: https://ibb.co/67wHKWVw
Claiming that “women are smarter” than men is not trivial. It dismisses male students, teachers, and parents, and directly contradicts Madison County Public Schools’ priorities, including promoting academic excellence for all (Priority 1), ensuring dignity and value for every student (Priority 2), and fostering respect, trust, and transparency (Priority 6).
Her statements also violate Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in public education. Electing a board member who publicly asserts one sex is superior exposes the district to federal and state sanctions.
These comments sharply contrast her own biography, where she emphasizes supporting mental health, anti-bullying, student character development, and parental involvement. Yet she dismisses serious men’s health and mental health concerns, including the high suicide risk among men, suggesting that men “do stupid things” and must be “taken care of” by women. And that men’s premature deaths are a gift “from the gods” for women. This is inconsistent with the values she claims to uphold and with the mission of creating a safe, inclusive environment for all students that is fundamental to Madison County Schools.
Our school board must model respect, inclusivity, and professionalism. Publicly asserting that women are inherently “smarter” than men raises serious concerns about judgment and adherence to district values and federal and state law.
Madison County deserves leaders who genuinely protect the dignity of every student and staff member. I urge voters to carefully consider these comments and their implications when casting their ballots.
J.E. Shifflett
Charlottesville
